In Stories of Inspiration, Survivorship and Advocacy

Sue Straatman: Finding Hope and Connection Through Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer survivor Sue Straatman at an NOCC event.
When Sue Straatman was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in March 2009, she thought about three things she wanted to experience with her son: seeing him smile again, dancing at his wedding, and holding a grandchild. Those goals became a source of hope during a time of uncertainty. Today, Sue is a stage IV ovarian cancer survivor who has experienced…
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In Stories of Inspiration, Survivorship and Advocacy

Two Teal Sisters, One Shared Purpose: Debbie and Erica’s Story

Erica Gaston and Debbie Stein smiling in Team TEAL shirts.
For Debbie Stein and Erica Gaston, running is more than a personal goal. It is a way to honor their mothers, support people impacted by ovarian cancer, and build a friendship rooted in shared understanding. Both women lost their mothers to ovarian cancer. Today, they are active members of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), raising funds, volunteering, and sharing…
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In Diagnosis and Treatment, Survivorship and Advocacy

Breaking the Silence on Inherited Risk: Christine’s Ovarian Cancer Story

Breaking the Silence on Inherited Risk: Christine’s Ovarian Cancer Story.
Every family has stories that are shared across generations. But sometimes, the stories that go unspoken can be just as important. Christine Normando’s BRCA1 ovarian cancer story shows why conversations about family health history, genetic risk, and personal health matter. Years before her ovarian cancer diagnosis, Christine knew she carried a BRCA1 mutation. What she did not fully understand was…
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In Stories of Inspiration, Survivorship and Advocacy

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Rachel Putman’s Ovarian Cancer Survivor Story

Survivor story resource from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition for patients and caregivers
Every ovarian cancer survivor story carries lessons of strength, grief, resilience, and hope. For Rachel Sackett Putman, her journey began during one of the most uncertain times in recent history and eventually became a mission to help others feel less alone. In this episode of Teal Talk – An Ovarian Cancer Podcast, Rachel shares how a devastating season of loss,…
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In Stories of Inspiration, Survivorship and Advocacy

From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Emily Campbell’s Story of Strength and Purpose

Emily Campbell shares her ovarian cancer journey on Teal Talk
Every ovarian cancer survivor story has the power to connect, educate, and inspire. In this episode of Teal Talk – An Ovarian Cancer Podcast, we follow Emily Campbell’s journey of resilience, uncertainty, and purpose. Diagnosed at just 33, she faced a rare and often misunderstood condition. What began as a search for answers became a mission to create change for…
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In Diagnosis and Treatment, Survivorship and Advocacy

Inherited Ovarian Cancer Risk: Breaking the Silence on Family History and Prevention

Silent inheritance campaign cover art.
At the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), we often hear the same story. Symptoms that were easy to dismiss. Questions that went unanswered. Family histories that were never fully discussed. Ovarian cancer is often described as a disease that moves quietly. It develops in places we cannot see, spreads in ways we cannot feel, and too often goes undetected until…
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In Lifestyle and Wellness, Support and Resources

Seasoned with Strength – A Free Ovarian Cancer Cookbook

A free ovarian cancer cookbook created to support you, one meal at a time. When you are navigating ovarian cancer, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Even small moments like sharing a nourishing meal can bring comfort, strength, and connection. Chef and food stylist Elle Simone Scott created Seasoned with Strength, a free digital ovarian cancer cookbook, in collaboration with the…
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