Stories of Inspiration

After months of unexplained symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer. Major surgery, chemotherapy, more surgery with complications, more chemo, and even more surgeries. In the middle of this chaos, I discovered the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC).  What a lifesaver this organization has been for me. It is a place for information, resources, and connections. I…

I’m grateful to have a safe, inclusive, and supportive place to share my own journey as a caregiver for my wife, who is in her 4th year of surviving ovarian cancer. I’ve learned so much from the other folks who join each month–their roles, perspectives, challenges, and successes are all related to the experiences my family is undergoing. The reminder…

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's Team Teal is embarking on an extraordinary journey to take hope to new heights. On July 9, 2024, a team of ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers, and loved ones will begin their trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. This inspiring expedition aims to provide hope to those living with ovarian cancer, raise…

Raising awareness is incredibly important to me because, prior to my diagnosis, I didn’t know the symptoms of ovarian cancer or even what ovarian cancer was. I was 24 years old when I was told I had Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. For over a year, I was misdiagnosed and eventually went into the ER for stomach pain. It was there…

My diagnosis of ovarian cancer was a shock. I was seeking medical intervention for endometriosis, which I had been struggling with since my teens. I met with a doctor at Penn to discuss treatment options. Surgery was the route to remove several cysts and tissue that had built up from my disease, causing me issues with my menstrual cycle and…

30 Days of Thanks: The Heart of Our Community - Survivors and Caregivers Giving Back Today, we want to celebrate the incredible individuals who have faced the tough journey of ovarian cancer. Patients, survivors, and caregivers who have experienced the TEAL community's immense support play a vital role in giving back and making a real difference. We are forever inspired…

My ovarian cancer story starts with my little sister, Karlissa Foster. In October 2008, when Karlissa was 33 years old, she felt a knot in her stomach followed by constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting. I took Karlissa to the ER, and the doctor told Karlissa that she had masses on her liver, kidneys, and ovaries, and it looks to…

The Team, The Silver Linings, was started by Debra Schwartz Sapcariu in 2015 after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Debra felt that whatever happened in her life, there was always a positive – a silver lining to be found! Debra had younger twin brothers, Jeff and Barry Schwartz and when she was diagnosed, they helped her and her daughter…

My story begins with a cardiologist appointment in March 2014 because I had chest pains. While there, they did an electrocardiogram (EKG), and the doctor also performed a physical exam. As she did the examination, she felt around my abdomen. She then asked, "how long have you had this lump in your stomach?" I answered, " I didn't know I…