When I arrive at the park on that late April Saturday morning, I take a deep breath of fresh Carolina air. It’s time to relax after a busy and stressful season of fundraising. The atmosphere is light, face painters and teal swag are everywhere and I know we are about to have a great race and a great day! I can feel that she is with us, looking down and smiling proud, although, she probably isn’t thrilled with the team name. 😜 To know how much the Teal Diva 5k and Dolor’s O

Come in as strangers and leave as friends. That is exactly what happened to Anna, April Ann, Camille, Connie, Glenna, Haley, Heather, Katja, Keesha, Kendra, Linda, Lisa, Misty, Shannon, Steffi, Terah and Theresa. In June, 2017 Teal Diva hosted our 2nd Gynecologic {K}ancer Survivor Retreat. You may not have seen an open enrollment to this one. We geared this retreat to those women who were diagnosed under 40 years old. All of our retreats won't be that way but this one need

I do not believe that any of us know why we were chosen for this cancer journey. I was told in early February of 2001, after a bone biopsy, I had endometrial cancer. My gynecologist met with my partner Jo and I to tell us this and what we needed to do to proceed. My Doctor told me that I would have a total hysterectomy and maybe some chemotherapy depending on what stage my cancer was. I had surgery on 2/16/01. What was supposed to be a simple surgery, turned out to be any

When I was asked by Shannon to talk about being a caregiver; I couldn’t have been more humbled and honored because I know her story and I know the high standard set by her husband being a caregiver during her journey. So on that note, I’m all too happy to share with you my experience and perspective on being a caregiver for my wife, Tracy Riazzi, or as I call her my beautiful smiling bride. The nickname is something that I always thought of in my heart from the beginning bu

No to O was founded in 2012 by Jean Ebert and Charlotte Ruth who became friends when both women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. Their goals were to help other women in similar circumstances and to raise awareness of symptoms of the deadly disease, hopefully leading to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment options. They also hoped to contribute to research efforts focused on finding a cure. With the support of Jean's husband, Dick, No to O was established

In 2004, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. I will never forget the shock and fear I experienced after hearing my diagnosis for the first time. I thought about my mother who passed away from ovarian cancer when she was just 39. We thought she just had a really bad flu virus but after she went to the hospital, we learned it was ovarian cancer. She passed away just six months after her diagnosis, with my grandmother caring for her until she went into hospice care. I r

On Nov 5, 2013 I woke up with excruciating pain high in my abdomen. With a little Ibuprofen, I successfully abated the pain and went to work. Unfortunately it returned mid-day, further down in my abdomen and on the left side. Again Ibuprofen put the pain off and I continued with work. That is, until the pain returned again in a way I have never experienced. It was low in my abdomen, and I could barely stand. I felt as though I would pass out at any moment. I do skincare, and

As an ovarian cancer survivor it took a long time for me to tell my story. Now it’s hard to get me to not talk about it. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their story. That’s all good, and I understand that, there are still some parts of my cancer experience that are too personal to share. Every survivor has a story and this is mine. Ovarian Cancer crept into my life with illusive persistence. At the time of my diagnosis I had already endured months of pain and anxiety. My

I am currently 36 years old, and I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 25. Although, I would turn 26 ,before I every had my first Chemo. This year I celebrated my 10 year cancerversary in July. It was a milestone for sure, wish I could have really treated myself, if my finances had allowed!!! I often wonder what my life would be like, if I had never been diagnosed, its nonsense really, as there is no going back. But I see people, family, friends, living what we w

Three years ago I was still a newlywed, just becoming established in my career, and excited for what the future held. Little did I know that my recently promised vows would be put to the test and my job as a dietitian for oncology patients would become very personal, ironic right? I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on January 17th 2014, when I was 28 years old. I didn’t have any symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or fatigue, and in fact almost cancelled the appointment