Stories of Inspiration

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…

While the world was navigating Covid and its fallout, my family and I were battling my diagnosis of Stage 2 ovarian cancer. I underwent chemotherapy beginning in October 2020 and ending in February 2021. It was a profound learning experience- multiple surgeries, side effects, and lots of uncertainty. Like many, my family health history did not include ovarian cancer –…

"Now, looking back to my ovarian cancer diagnosis, I realize my experience should be what is considered the 'standard of care' and not the exception. My doctors listened to me and didn't "write me off," as I know can happen. Once it was determined I most likely had a serious situation on my hands, I was taken into surgery quickly.…

When I was 20 years old, I thought I was invincible and unstoppable, and dare I say, a bit oblivious to the hardships that can happen throughout life. But all those thoughts and feelings changed after a trip to the emergency room for pain in my right lower abdomen that I had been experiencing. The pain would be what was…

“I don’t think anyone is prepared for the call when it happens. I can still hear my call as clearly as day. “I’ve been trying to figure out all morning how to tell you this… you have ovarian cancer; it’s aggressive; we need to get you to an oncologist quickly.” I was just 36 years old.  I was a healthy,…

Cancer is not pretty.  It is a devastating diagnosis for the patient, as well as the whole family.   True, the patient is the one who bears the brunt of the disease – but the family must stand by and watch their loved one endure the ravages of the disease.   In November 2015, my mother, Betty Walter, was diagnosed…

I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer on Jan. 22, 2022, and at the time, I was in the best physical shape of my life due to my love of running. I was a newlywed; my kids were thriving in college & at their jobs. I had everything I could possibly want, and…

I learned about my diagnosis by being rushed to the emergency room with severe pain. I was diagnosed with Stage 1a ovarian cancer. My tumor was 15 pounds on my left ovary and protruded to my left side, so I thought they could save my right ovary so I could have a baby. Unfortunately, the right ovary was damaged. Due…

As we acknowledge National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month throughout September, we are sharing stories of advocates who are using their passion and skills in unique ways to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. NOCC sat down with Ashton Thompson, NOCC's first Athletic Awareness Ambassador, who uses her passion for racing to spread awareness on and off the track.  National Ovarian Cancer…