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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Fueling the Future of Research – 2024 Young Investigator Awardees and their Impact On Ovarian Cancer
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition funded two Young Investigator Research Grants in partnership with the Foundation for Women's Cancer. The Young Investigator Award provides crucial support to researchers in the early stages of their careers, often when they have limited funding opportunities and resources. By offering these awards, we aim to help move the needle in gynecologic cancer research. The…
Read More
As NOCC ushers in a new chapter of hope in 2024, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your incredible support. Your dedication has been a beacon of light for our TEAL community, and I am truly grateful for the impact we’ve made together. In the coming year, your generous spirit continues to shape our commitment. The best gift we can give to…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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 –…
Read More
"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.…
Read More