Stories of Inspiration

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone born with ovaries is at risk for ovarian cancer. We sat down with our NOCC Global Awareness Ambassador, Grace Elizabeth, and talked about the unique ways she is spreading ovarian cancer awareness using her passion and skills.   National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC): Why did you get involved with ovarian cancer advocacy? Grace Elizabeth…

For August, we highlight advocacy in action as we share stories of those making a difference with their miles and spreading awareness of ovarian cancer. Hear from Maddie, daughter of an ovarian cancer survivor and Team TEAL participant, as she shares how she uses her passion for physical activity to support ovarian cancer awareness and research. NOCC: How did you…

For August, we highlight advocacy in action as we share stories of those making a difference with their miles and spreading awareness of ovarian cancer. Hear from Evelyn, an ovarian cancer survivor and Team TEAL participant, as she shares her experience getting physically active to support her long-term health goals. NOCC: How did you become involved with the NOCC? Evelyn: …

For August, we highlight advocacy in action as we share stories of those making a difference with their miles and spreading awareness of ovarian cancer. Hear from Rhoda, ovarian cancer advocate and Together in TEAL participant, as she shares her experience getting physically active to support ovarian cancer and honor her sister, Robin. NOCC: How did you become involved with…

My caregiver journey began in December 2020 when my Mom was released from the hospital in Little Rock, AR. I was there to pick her up and stopped briefly by her house, packed up some items, and then onto my home in Memphis, TN. While healing from an ongoing bout with pneumonia, Mom discovered a lump on her right chest…

“Oh yeah, your wife has cancer and will need chemotherapy. Now I’ve got to get back in there and finish.” As the surgeon turned and walked away, my world crumbled. Everything slowed down and felt muted. I stumbled back to my seat in the hospital waiting room. A friend hugged me, and we sat in shock. My mother-in-law feverishly texted…

My wife Jenny was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2020 after a post-hysterectomy biopsy. She had chosen the hysterectomy out of an abundance of caution due to her family history. Jenny's gynecological oncologist prescribed a six-month course of chemotherapy. At this time, I was in a role at work that required extensive travel, more than 150,000 miles per year. While I…

In May of 2017, I had an episode of postmenopausal bleeding. My GYN saw me the same day and did a biopsy of my uterine lining in his office. A few weeks later, the results returned as atypical, and he scheduled me for a D&C. While waiting, I decided to get another opinion. My slides were sent to another institution…

In March of 2015, I began to feel bloated all of the time, and my abdomen seemed to be experiencing constant pressure. I knew something wasn't right. But as a single mom of three very busy and active young ones, I didn't have time to take care of myself. Two months later, I couldn't take it any longer. I went…

My cancer diagnosis was a very fortunate accident. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in 2010. My gynecologist referred me to a reproductive endocrinologist (RE), knowing that conceiving would be difficult for me. That RE recommended surgery to remove a uterine fibroid and ovarian cysts when I was ready to try to conceive. I got married and made an…