Eleven years ago when I was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer, the disease was known as "the silent killer". Two years later, it was discovered that there were a group of symptoms that most patients had in common, including persistent bloating, eating and feeling full quicker than normal, abdominal or pelvic pain, and the need to urinate more urgently or frequently. I had at least 2 of these symptoms along with extreme fatigue, but there was no way for me to know that these were signs of ovarian cancer.

Today, there is still no early detection test for ovarian cancer, but the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation is working to change that.  Until there is a good screening test, symptoms are all we have to go on.  I feel that gynecologists should educate their patients about the symptoms, but they do not.  So it is up to us to do the right things: to help educate the community on signs and symptoms and to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated for HPV.  These are the reasons why I still work at awareness events.

I also remain active as the chair of the CanSurvive support group.  When I was going through my cancer battle, the support and friendships I found there were invaluable.  It is another reason I support LCBF’s mission – to support research for an early detection test, educate the community, and continue providing support to women with these cancers and their families through the CanSurvive Support Group.