Making a Difference

Did you know a woman’s lifetime risk of dying from invasive ovarian cancer is 1 in 95? Did you know fewer than 20 percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed early? Did you know that there is no reliable, early detection test for ovarian cancer? I didn’t know any of this, until February 17, 2010 when my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. That day I did a lot of research about this disease that I knew nothing about. The things that I found were not comforting. I learned that my mom only had about 27% chance of a five-year survival. I learned a lot that week.

Today, I have found inspiration in my mom’s strength and her fight. My mother had a very short battle with cancer, but she didn’t give up for one minute. She fought all the way to the end, and she did it with a smile on her face and a joke for the nurses. While mom was having her chemo, the nurses came in several times to tell my mom how beautiful and amazing she was, “We don’t often hear such beautiful laughter coming from the rooms in the cancer wing”. Throughout her short fight, she made sure that we all knew how much she loved us and tried to instill a will to go on and prosper. Because of her fight and her beautiful soul, I have been inspired to make sure that others are aware of this disease often called “the silent killer” and make sure that women are educated. I have participated in several opportunities with great local and national organizations to help “spread the word” about ovarian cancer and make sure that women know the symptoms of this disease and advocate for themselves when going to the doctor. It’s been such a blessing to be able to be a part of each and every event, no matter how small.

My mom has also inspired me to reach out in other ways, as well. Recently, I was connected with a woman in her early twenties who had just lost her mother after a difficult battle with ovarian cancer. She was looking for someone who could offer her support going through a tough situation. Being connected with her has been an amazing experience. Being able to listen to her story, and being able to offer some comfort with sharing mine has given me even more inspiration to continue along in this journey. After the initial shock of the situation wore off, I have always been open about my experience and willing to share it, in the hopes that it could someday help someone. This, however, has been a completely different experience. I have been able to connect with another person on a completely different level after experiencing a very similar thing – losing someone who means so much to you from something that we knew nothing about prior. I find that, even after two years, there are still certain things that can bring back the tears instantly, but, even though I find the tears may flow a little more easier than normal during (or after) these conversations, it’s been a very beautiful experience.

My mom always encouraged me to help out, give back however I can. Some days, I do not feel like I have much that I can give back to others. Today, however, after speaking with this young woman, I feel like I was able to give something back. Today, I can feel as though maybe I am making a difference in some way. I have my mom to thank for this; for the values she taught me and the love she showed me. Today, I am inspired to continue in this journey and continue offering education and support. Thank you, mom, for always being there to support and inspire me - even now, when your physical body has gone and I am left with your memory and your words.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” - Jane Goodall