Making Room for Grief — Part Two

Not long ago, we shared a conversation about making room for grief within our sisterhood.

We talked about how hope and heartbreak can coexist. How the women we lose are so much more than their diagnoses. How we can honor their lives by sharing their stories, speaking their names, and remembering the little things that made them unforgettable.

We wrote about making room for grief.

And now, heartbreakingly, we are being asked to make room for more.

We’ve lost another sister.

And sometimes, there simply aren’t words big enough for that.

When Another Loss Feels Like Too Much

There is something uniquely difficult about grief within a cancer community.

We come together because of something none of us would have chosen. We build friendships in waiting rooms, support groups, retreats, and conversations that often begin with a diagnosis but grow into something so much bigger.

We become sisters.

We celebrate clean scans, finished treatments, birthdays, and milestones. We send encouraging messages, share resources, and remind one another that we are not alone.

And then, sometimes, we lose someone.

And then someone else.

And the grief begins to accumulate.

It’s not that we loved one woman more than another. It’s not that the newest loss somehow matters more.

It’s that our hearts are already carrying so much.

Every new loss can reopen the tenderness of the ones that came before. We remember the women whose voices we miss. The conversations we wish we could have one more time. The photographs that make us smile and cry in the same breath.

And perhaps we find ourselves wondering how many times a heart can break and still remain open.

The Grief Beneath the Grief

There’s another part of losing someone in a cancer community that can be difficult to say out loud.

Sometimes, when we lose a sister, we aren’t only grieving her.

We are also confronting our own fears.

For women living with cancer, navigating recurrence, or celebrating years of no evidence of disease, the loss of someone who understands our experience can bring uncertainty rushing back.

We may feel frightened. Angry. Guilty for being here when someone else isn’t. Relieved about our own circumstances and then uncomfortable with that relief.

We may wonder why her treatment stopped working. Why her cancer returned. Why she didn’t get more time.

And sometimes, beneath all those questions, is the one we’re almost afraid to acknowledge:

Could that happen to me?

These feelings can be uncomfortable, especially when we want our attention to remain on the woman we’ve lost and the people who loved her.

But acknowledging our own fear doesn’t diminish our grief for her.

It simply means that loss can touch more than one tender place at a time.

There is room for those feelings, too.

You Don’t Have to Find the Hope Today

At Teal Diva, hope is part of who we are.

But perhaps we need to remind ourselves of something.

Hope is not an obligation.

You don’t have to find the bright side of losing someone you love.

You don’t have to turn her passing into an inspirational message.

You don’t have to be the strong one, the positive one, or the person who knows exactly what to say.

You are allowed to be sad.

You are allowed to be angry.

You are allowed to say, “This is unfair,” without someone reminding you to stay positive.

Because sometimes it is unfair.

And sometimes the most loving thing we can do is acknowledge that.

We don’t need to explain away the pain to make it easier to bear. We don’t need to wrap grief in beautiful language before we give ourselves permission to feel it.

Sometimes, we just need to miss our friend.

What Sisterhood Looks Like Now

In our first conversation about grief, we wrote:

“Hope isn’t the absence of grief. Sometimes hope is knowing that when grief comes, your sisterhood will be there to hold some of its weight.”

Those words feel different today.

Not because they are any less true, but because we are being asked to live them.

So what does that look like?

Maybe it means reaching out to the sister who has gone quiet.

Maybe it means sending a message that says, “I’m thinking of you,” without expecting a response.

Maybe it means sharing a photograph or a funny memory, giving someone permission to laugh in the middle of their sadness.

Maybe it means checking in next week, or next month, when the initial wave of condolences has passed and the absence begins to settle into everyday life.

And maybe it means admitting that we need someone to check on us, too.

Because the women who offer comfort are often grieving just as deeply as the women receiving it.

We don’t have to take turns being strong.

We can simply take turns holding one another.

Let Her Be Remembered for Living

When we lose another sister, the temptation may be to retreat into the sadness of what cancer has taken.

And cancer has taken far too much.

But it doesn’t get to claim the entirety of someone’s story.

There were ordinary Tuesdays and extraordinary adventures. Inside jokes and favorite songs. Families, friendships, accomplishments, and dreams. There were moments of courage, certainly, but also moments of silliness, stubbornness, tenderness, and joy.

She was a whole person.

And she deserves to be remembered that way.

So let’s keep telling the stories.

Let’s remember what made her laugh. What she loved. What she taught us without even realizing she was teaching.

Let’s speak her name when it feels right, while respecting the wishes and privacy of those closest to her.

And let’s remember that honoring her doesn’t require us to make her life or her death mean something beyond what it already did.

She mattered.

She was loved.

And we wish she were still here.

That is enough.

We Are Still Here for One Another

There is a particular kind of courage in continuing to love people when you know how deeply their absence might hurt.

But perhaps courage isn’t even the right word.

Perhaps it’s simply love.

We continue to open our hearts because the friendships are worth having. Because the laughter is real. Because the moments of connection matter.

Because even knowing what we know, we would still choose to know these women.

Every single time.

We cannot promise that our sisterhood will never experience another loss.

We cannot promise that hope will always feel easy or that tomorrow will bring better news.

But we can promise to keep making room for one another.

For the women celebrating.

For the women struggling.

For the women grieving.

For the women who are frightened and don’t quite know how to say it.

And for the women whose absence will always be felt.

We don’t need to have the right words.

We don’t need to have all the answers.

We just need to keep showing up.

Not because we have learned how to make grief hurt less, but because we have learned how much it matters not to face it alone.

We made room for grief.

Now, together, we will make room for one another.

And for today, that is enough.

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There is room for grief here, too.

At Teal Diva, we talk a lot about hope. We celebrate milestones, honor resilience, encourage one another, and find reasons to laugh even when life gives us very little to laugh about.

We believe in the power of sisterhood. In showing up. In creating spaces where women facing gynecologic cancers feel seen, supported, and understood.

But there is another part of sisterhood that we don’t always talk about.

Loss.

The difficult reality of a cancer community is that sometimes we lose people we love. Women who have become friends, confidantes, mentors, cheerleaders, and chosen family. Women whose names once appeared regularly in our group chats, whose laughter filled retreat spaces, whose encouragement arrived exactly when we needed it.

And suddenly, there is an empty chair. A missing voice. A name we hesitate over because saying it out loud might bring tears.

So what do we do with that grief?

Maybe we begin by making room for it.

Hope and Grief Can Sit Together

Hope is one of Teal Diva’s guiding values. But hope was never meant to require us to be happy all the time.

We can believe deeply in hope and still be heartbroken.

We can celebrate someone else’s good scan while mourning a friend who didn’t receive the same news.

We can be grateful for our own healing while feeling the complicated emotions that come with surviving when someone we love did not.

Those feelings aren’t contradictions. They’re part of being human.

And perhaps one of the greatest gifts of sisterhood is knowing we don’t have to sort through those feelings alone.

We don’t always need encouraging words. Sometimes we need someone willing to sit beside us and say, “I miss her, too.”

No fixing. No explaining. No rushing toward the bright side.

Just being there.

More Than a Diagnosis

When someone in our community dies, it’s easy for the conversation to become about cancer. The diagnosis. The treatments. The recurrence. The things that worked and the things that didn’t.

But she was so much more than her disease.

She was the woman who made everyone laugh at the retreat. The one who remembered birthdays. The one who sent encouraging messages at two in the morning. The one with the fabulous shoes, the wicked sense of humor, or the ability to make a newcomer feel like she’d belonged forever.

She had a life full of stories before cancer entered it, and she continued creating stories afterward.

Those are the things worth remembering.

Not simply how she died, but how she lived.

What made her extraordinary? What did she teach us? What little piece of her personality still makes us smile?

Maybe she gave us permission to be brave. Maybe she showed us how to advocate for ourselves. Maybe she was simply the person who always saved us a seat.

These memories matter. And sharing them is one way we keep the richness of someone’s life from being overshadowed by the circumstances of her death.

The Gifts That Continue

There is another part of these stories that deserves recognition.

Some women in our community have participated in clinical trials, contributed to research, shared their experiences with medical professionals, or advocated for better treatment options.

They did so knowing that the answers might not come in time to help them personally.

Think about the generosity in that.

Their participation may help researchers understand a disease more clearly, improve treatments, or open doors for someone they will never meet.

Not every trial produces a breakthrough. Not every treatment works. And no woman should ever be remembered only for what she contributed to science.

But when someone chooses to participate in research, that contribution deserves to be acknowledged.

Progress is built, in part, on the willingness of people to ask questions, share experiences, and participate in the search for better answers.

We can honor that generosity without suggesting that their loss was necessary, purposeful, or somehow made acceptable by what might come afterward.

Because it wasn’t.

We would rather have them here.

And we can still be grateful for what they gave.

When Sisterhood Hurts

The deeper our connections, the more we feel their absence.

That’s the beautiful, complicated bargain of community.

We open our hearts to one another knowing that cancer brings uncertainty. We make friendships anyway. We plan trips, share meals, laugh until our sides hurt, and celebrate every opportunity to be together.

And when we lose someone, it hurts.

It should.

That grief is evidence of a connection that mattered.

But here’s something else worth remembering: we don’t have to carry the grief separately just because we experience it differently.

Some of us need to talk. Some need quiet. Some find comfort in photographs and stories. Others need a little time before they can revisit those memories.

There is no single right way to grieve, and no timetable for when we should feel better.

Sisterhood means respecting those differences while continuing to reach for one another.

It means checking in after the initial condolences have faded. Remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Saying someone’s name without worrying that we’ll make another person sad.

Sometimes, the greatest comfort is simply knowing that someone else remembers.

An Invitation to Remember

Perhaps it’s time we create a little more room within Teal Diva for these conversations.

Not because we want to dwell in sadness.

But because we want to honor the whole experience of sisterhood.

We would love to hear about the women who have touched your life.

Tell us about the friend who made you laugh when you desperately needed it. The advocate who inspired you to find your voice. The woman who welcomed you into a room full of strangers and somehow made it feel like home.

Tell us about her kindness, her stubbornness, her sense of humor, her courage, or the wonderfully ordinary things that made her her.

If you want to share how she contributed to research, supported others, or helped change the conversation around gynecologic cancers, we’d love to hear that, too.

And if you’re not ready to share, that’s okay. There is room for quiet remembrance as well.

With care for the privacy and wishes of their families, perhaps these stories can become something we hold together — a collection of memories, laughter, gratitude, and love.

A reminder that the women who have been part of this sisterhood are never just names or diagnoses.

They are people who changed us.

Hope Has Room for This, Too

We often think of hope as looking forward. Toward better treatments, more birthdays, another retreat, another chance to make memories.

But perhaps hope can also look backward with gratitude.

It can live in the stories we tell, the lessons we carry, the friendships we continue to nurture, and the ways we show up for one another because someone once showed up for us.

We don’t have to turn every loss into a lesson. We don’t have to make something beautiful out of every painful experience.

Sometimes, we simply miss someone.

And that’s enough.

At Teal Diva, we will continue to celebrate life, nurture hope, and create moments of joy.

But we can also make room for the tears. For the memories. For the women we wish were still sitting beside us.

And there is room for all of it here.

The joy. The heartbreak. The remembering. The hope.

All of it.

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When Bridget Murphy lost her hair during frontline chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, she was surprised by how little the loss itself bothered her.

“I figured it was just hair—it’d grow back. And for me, it was a small price to pay for lifesaving treatment.”

But Bridget’s hair story isn’t really a story about what cancer took from her.

It’s about what she did with it.

Her hair had been long, fine, straight and untreated, so before chemo could take it, she decided she wanted to donate it.

She went to a salon and requested one thing before the cutting began: an extra-good scalp massage.

The stylist carefully divided her hair into sections, secured them with elastics and began cutting. Bridget expected tears.

Instead, thanks in large part to the best friend sitting beside her, there was laughter.

She mailed those sections away and remembers feeling proud that, in the middle of an incredibly frightening time, something she was losing could become something someone else could use.

And then Bridget embraced the bald.

No wig. Scarves and beanies when she needed protection from the sun or warmth—but otherwise?

“I actually think I have a pretty good head. I rocked that chrome dome like a champion.”

Her best friend even hired a henna artist who transformed that bald head into a beautiful henna crown.

Later, washable markers came out and friends were invited to doodle on her scalp.Later, washable markers came out and friends were invited to doodle on her scalp.

“Gotta take advantage of the canvas I was given.”

Then came the chemo curls.

Bridget loved them.

Strangers would stop her to ask what products she used to get those curls. Instead of simply accepting the compliment, she turned those moments into opportunities to talk about chemo—and about the often-silent symptoms of ovarian cancer.

But more than four years after frontline chemotherapy, her relationship with hair has changed again.

Bridget has experienced two recurrences. Her current chemotherapy drugs don’t cause hair loss.

And, strangely enough, sometimes she wishes they did.

Because the bald head that once seemed like such a small price to pay also told the world something:

I am going through cancer treatment.

Today, Bridget can look fabulous while feeling anything but fabulous.

“Right now I ‘look healthy’ while feeling like complete garbage. I think people don’t/can’t/won’t understand that I can look as fabulous as I do but still be sick.”

She says she would happily trade her hair again for some of the other side effects she experiences now.

Bridget’s story is an important reminder that there is no single way cancer looks.

Sometimes cancer looks like a bald head.

Sometimes it looks like a henna crown, a scarf or a head covered in your friends’ doodles.

Sometimes it looks like gorgeous chemo curls.

And sometimes?

It looks like Bridget. Looking fabulous while still going through something incredibly hard.

Hair—or the absence of it—can tell part of a cancer story.

But it can never tell the whole story.

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A diagnosis can tell you the type of cancer someone has. It cannot tell you who she is—or who she will become because she survived it.

Debra Wold was diagnosed with Stage IIIC high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Those words tell us something important about Debra’s medical history. They tell us she faced an advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis and everything that came with it.

But they don’t tell us nearly enough about Debra.

They don’t tell us what it was like to live through treatment. They don’t tell us what her family experienced while watching someone they loved go through cancer. They don’t tell us what happens years later when an ordinary ache or pain suddenly doesn’t feel ordinary anymore.

And they certainly don’t tell us what Debra decided to do with everything that came after.

Because survivorship isn’t simply the story of what someone survived.

Sometimes, it’s the story of what she chooses to build from it.

A Week That Changed Everything

Debra’s diagnosis story began with a change so sudden that her family took pictures because they could hardly believe what they were seeing.

In August 2022, Debra went to bed feeling like a healthy, vibrant 56-year-old woman. The next morning, she woke up looking six months pregnant.

Inside her body, a 21-centimeter ovarian tumor had been growing silently.

Over the days that followed, her abdomen was in torsion and continued to swell. At first there was little panic and it was easy to hope that whatever was happening might simply resolve. Instead, the discomfort became unbearable. Debra made multiple trips to the emergency room and continued advocating for answers.

Eventually, doctors discovered that the tumor had twisted into torsion, pulling her internal organs out of place and creating a life-threatening emergency.

Debra needed immediate surgery. Within days, she underwent a full hysterectomy, removal of the 21-centimeter tumor, and extensive reconstruction to restore her organs. The diagnosis was Stage IIIC high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

She survived.

But that extraordinary week also helps explain something about the survivor and advocate Debra would become: she knows firsthand what it is like for a body to be telling you that something is wrong, to need answers, and to keep pushing until someone finds them.

Years later, the memory of what happened during those days hasn’t simply disappeared. It follows her into another part of survivorship that isn’t discussed nearly enough.

It also shaped the message Debra now wants women to hear before they ever receive a diagnosis:

“See something, say something.”

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle, and there is no routine screening test that reliably detects ovarian cancer in people without symptoms. That makes knowing your own body—and speaking up when something changes—especially important.

Debra knew her body well enough to know that what was happening to her wasn’t normal. She kept asking questions and advocating for answers. That ability to recognize a change and speak up helped her advocate for the care she needed.

For Debra, “See something, say something” isn’t meant to create fear around every ache or change. It’s a call to pay attention. Know your body. Notice what is different. And if something doesn’t feel right, say so—and keep saying so until you feel heard.

Because when it comes to ovarian cancer, recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation can matter.

The Fear Doesn’t Necessarily End When Treatment Does

There is a version of survivorship we like to imagine where treatment ends, cancer retreats, and life neatly begins again.

Survivors know it isn’t always that simple.

Debra still sees her gynecologic oncologist. There are still checkups and CA-125 tests. There is still waiting.

And there are still moments when a small physical sensation can send her mind traveling backward.

“Every time you feel a glitch of a pain in the back on the right side, your mind begins to trace back before your surgery,” she shared before a recent appointment.

That is a part of survivorship that doesn’t always make it into the celebration photos.

The body remembers.

So does the mind.

“I don’t know if you ever get over it,” Debra said.

Maybe getting over it isn’t the measure of survivorship.

Maybe survivorship is learning how to carry what happened without allowing it to decide everything that happens next.

Debra has found one way to do that: she has turned experience into advocacy.

Reaching Back While Still Moving Forward

After her own experience with ovarian cancer, Debra helped establish Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer (Teal R.O.C), a nonprofit focused on helping women navigate the challenges that can accompany an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Since beginning the organization, Debra says they have helped 45 women through the advocacy process.

Forty-five women.

Forty-five individual lives, questions, fears, families and stories.

For Debra, it has been both a blessing and an honor.

And perhaps that number tells us something important about advocacy. You don’t have to reach thousands of people for your life to have an extraordinary ripple effect.

Sometimes impact looks like one woman helping another woman understand what question to ask.

One survivor helping another find her voice.

One person saying, I’ve walked through something like this. Let me walk beside you.

And then doing it again.

And again.

Cancer Happened to Her Family, Too

Debra’s experience also taught her something about cancer, we at Teal Diva understands deeply: cancer may happen in one person’s body, but its impact rarely stops there.

“I know my family has never gotten over what I went through,” Debra shared. “They too suffered greatly on this battlefield.”

Caregivers live a cancer story of their own.

They sit in waiting rooms. They listen to doctors. They manage medications, appointments, meals, work and households. They hold hands and hold fears. Sometimes they become so focused on keeping the person they love standing that no one notices they are struggling to stand themselves.

Looking back, Debra recognized something her own family had needed.

Support.

Guidance.

A place for their experience.

So she created one.

The program is called Shattered Glass, designed to bring healing and guidance to caregivers traveling a path Debra’s own family once walked without that kind of support.

And Debra describes what came from that realization in one extraordinary sentence:

“I took their pain and turned it into purpose.”

That may be one of the most powerful descriptions of survivorship there is.

Not pretendeing the pain didn’t happen. Not insistng everything happens for a reason. Not erasing what cancer tool. Taking what remains and asking: What can I do with this now?

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Faith is also deeply woven into Debra’s understanding of that purpose.

She returns to the biblical promise that all things can work together for good, and she sees continuing this work as part of her calling.

“By the grace of God, I will soldier on,” she wrote.

Why?

Because there are women who still need information.

Women who need encouragement to listen to their bodies.

Women who need help navigating an unfamiliar medical system.

Women who need someone to remind them that asking another question, requesting another opinion or speaking up for themselves isn’t being difficult.

It’s advocacy.

And sometimes advocacy begins with the person who has already walked the road turning around and saying:

Come this way. I’ll show you what I learned.

Beyond the Teal Ribbon

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to talk about early warning signs, symptoms, risk factors, research and early recognition. Those conversations matter.

But awareness should also make room for the women behind the statistics.

Women like Debra.

Because today, Debra isn’t simply the woman who was diagnosed with Stage IIIC high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

She is a survivor who still goes to her own appointments.

She still waits for her own test results.

She can still feel an unexpected pain and have her mind travel somewhere she wishes it wouldn’t.

And she keeps going.

At the same time, 45 women have been helped through the advocacy process she helped create.

There is a caregiver program because her family once needed one and couldn’t find it.

There are women learning how to speak up because Debra learned how difficult it can be to make yourself heard.

There is purpose growing in places where there was once pain.

That is survivorship, too.

It isn’t always leaving cancer behind.

Sometimes it’s reaching back while continuing to move forward.

Sometimes it’s taking the thing that shattered part of your world and using the pieces to build something another person can hold onto.

Debra’s cancer diagnosis tells us what happened to her.

Her survivorship tells us what she chose to do next.

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Cancer survivors often describe vacations as a rare time when they feel lighter, more present, and more connected to themselves. The destination may play a role, but the deeper reason usually has less to do with the location and more to do with how time, attention, and priorities shift while away from everyday demands.

After cancer treatment, many survivors become acutely aware of how precious energy, health, and meaningful experiences truly are. Yet once routines return, it’s easy to fall back into schedules, obligations, digital distractions, and stress that make everyday life feel disconnected from the sense of balance often experienced while traveling.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait for your next trip to experience more joy, calm, and renewal.

A Quick Snapshot

Vacations often reduce decision fatigue and daily pressures.
Novel experiences naturally increase mindfulness and presence.
Everyday routines can become emotionally draining when they lack enjoyment or variety.
Small changes can create many of the same benefits associated with travel.
Intentional rest is just as important as productivity, especially for cancer survivors.

Why Vacations Feel So Different

When people travel, several things happen simultaneously.

Responsibilities often decrease. Work emails become less important. Household chores are temporarily paused. Daily schedules loosen.

At the same time, travelers tend to become more attentive to their surroundings. A walk through a new neighborhood, a scenic view, or a meal at a local café feels interesting because it breaks routine.

This combination creates a powerful emotional shift.

Vacation Experience	Everyday Life Challenge
More spontaneity	Predictable routines
Fewer obligations	Constant responsibilities
New experiences	Repetition
Focus on the present	Multitasking
Time for enjoyment	Productivity pressure

For cancer survivors, this contrast can feel even stronger. Recovery often brings a desire to fully engage with life, yet everyday responsibilities can sometimes pull attention away from that goal.

A Simple Reset Process

Rather than trying to recreate an entire vacation, focus on recreating the feelings vacations provide.

Step 1: Schedule enjoyment first

Many people plan work, errands, and appointments before considering activities they actually enjoy.

Reverse the order occasionally.

Place something meaningful on your calendar first—a walk in nature, coffee with a friend, an afternoon at a museum, or time spent reading outdoors.

Step 2: Create mini-adventures

Novelty helps the brain become more engaged.

Try:

Taking a different route during a walk
Visiting a nearby town
Trying a new hobby
Exploring a local park you’ve never visited
Attending a community event

These experiences can trigger some of the same feelings of curiosity that make travel memorable.

Step 3: Protect recovery time

Cancer survivors often face ongoing physical or emotional fatigue.

Treat rest as a necessity rather than a reward.

Short breaks throughout the day can improve mood, energy, and resilience.

Step 4: Limit digital interruptions

Vacations often feel relaxing because they reduce constant notifications and information overload.

Consider creating device-free windows during meals, walks, or evenings.

Even thirty minutes of uninterrupted presence can have a noticeable effect.

Bringing More Beauty Into Everyday Moments

One overlooked way to create an atmosphere of escape is through creativity.

Visual reminders of meaningful places, favorite memories, or future adventures can help transform ordinary spaces into environments that feel more uplifting and inspiring. Creating personalized artwork based on peaceful destinations or memorable experiences can become a relaxing hobby while adding positive visual cues throughout your home. Tools such as Adobe Firefly’s AI graffiti generator allow users to enter a word, phrase, or idea and instantly create colorful graffiti-style artwork that can be customized for personal projects, decorations, or creative inspiration. You can learn more about the tool and explore different creative possibilities.

Small Rituals That Change How a Day Feels

Many vacation memories are built around simple rituals rather than major events.

Think about:

Watching a sunrise
Sitting outside with morning coffee
Taking an evening walk
Listening to music without multitasking
Preparing a favorite meal

These moments may seem ordinary, but repeated consistently, they create emotional anchors that make daily life feel richer.

A Helpful Resource for Finding More Joy

Many cancer survivors benefit from intentionally cultivating gratitude, resilience, and emotional well-being. One evidence-based resource worth exploring is the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.

Their collection of articles, exercises, and research focuses on happiness, mindfulness, connection, and personal growth.

Resource: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu

The practical exercises can be especially helpful for building habits that support emotional recovery and everyday fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unrealistic to expect everyday life to feel like a vacation?

Yes and no. Daily life will always include responsibilities. The goal is not to eliminate obligations but to intentionally incorporate more of the qualities that make vacations enjoyable: presence, rest, novelty, and connection.

Why do routines sometimes feel emotionally draining?

Routines can become draining when they prioritize productivity while neglecting enjoyment, creativity, social connection, and recovery.

Can mindfulness really help?

Many people find that mindfulness helps them notice positive experiences that might otherwise be overlooked. Even brief moments of intentional awareness can improve overall well-being.

What if I have limited energy after cancer treatment?

Start small. A five-minute walk, a quiet moment outdoors, or a short conversation with a loved one can provide meaningful emotional benefits without requiring significant energy.

Finding Balance Without Leaving Home

The feeling of being on vacation is rarely about the destination alone. More often, it comes from slowing down, paying attention, embracing enjoyment, and creating space to simply be present. Cancer survivors who intentionally weave these elements into everyday life can experience more balance and fulfillment between trips.

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There are moments in life that ask everything of you—your strength, your perspective, your faith.

For Jaquelyn, that moment didn’t arrive all at once. It started with a feeling. A change in her body she couldn’t ignore.

Her belly began to swell—suddenly, noticeably. She knew something wasn’t right.

And even when the first answers didn’t make sense, she trusted herself enough to keep pushing.

That decision changed everything.

“I had to fight just to be heard.”

After being told her symptoms were likely gas, Jaquelyn pushed for further testing. What doctors eventually discovered was impossible to ignore—a mass the size of a cantaloupe on her ovary.

Within days, she was in surgery.

She expected a routine procedure. Instead, she woke up to a diagnosis she never saw coming: Stage IIIC ovarian cancer.

In a matter of hours, her life shifted from uncertainty to survival.

Faith Before Fear

Long before her diagnosis, faith had always been part of Jaquelyn’s life.

But cancer didn’t weaken that foundation—it deepened it.

“I never had a doubt… I knew it wasn’t going to stay.”

While everything around her felt uncertain, her belief remained steady.

It became her anchor through surgery, through treatment, and through the unknowns that followed.

Healing, On Her Own Terms

Jaquelyn followed the treatment plan—undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy—but she also felt a pull toward something more.

Something deeper.

She began to take her healing into her own hands.

Transitioned to a raw vegan lifestyle
Focused on clean, intentional nutrition
Eliminated alcohol and habits that no longer served her
Prioritized mental clarity and emotional healing
Began truly listening to her body for the first time

“I truly believe it was the food that healed me… or a combination of both.”

For Jaquelyn, healing wasn’t just about eliminating disease—it was about rebuilding her body from the inside out.

When Life Forces You to Slow Down

Before cancer, Jaquelyn was always moving.

A business owner. A mother. A professional balancing multiple careers. Someone who rarely stopped.

Even when she appeared “healthy,” her life was full—relentless, even.

It wasn’t until her body forced her to stop that she saw it clearly.

“I never thought I was stressed… but I was stressing my body.”

One of her hardest moments came not in diagnosis—but in limitation.

When she couldn’t walk up the stairs to be with her child.

When her body said no, even when her heart said yes.

That was the moment something shifted.

Healing would require more than strength.
It would require change.

The Strength of Showing Up

Through every step of her journey, Jaquelyn was surrounded by love.

Her friends didn’t just check in—they showed up.

“I never went to chemo alone. I never went to an appointment alone.”

They sat beside her. Prayed with her. Walked with her.

And in a journey where so much can feel isolating, that kind of presence became its own form of healing.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Today, Jaquelyn is in a new season—one focused on restoration.

She’s continuing her healing while preparing to return to work. But more importantly, she’s stepping into something new:

She’s studying to become a holistic nutritionist and health coach.

Because what she needed most during her journey… she couldn’t find.

“No one could tell me how to eat for the cancer I had.”

So now, she’s becoming that resource for others.

Not just someone who understands cancer—but someone who understands healing from the inside out.

Still Becoming

Jaquelyn has already begun exploring advocacy, traveling to Washington, D.C. to support ovarian cancer awareness.

But she’s not rushing to define her path.

“I don’t know if that’s my calling yet… but I know I want to help.”

And maybe that’s the beauty of this season.

She doesn’t have to have all the answers.

She just has to keep moving forward—with intention, with faith, and with a willingness to grow.

“I’m going to hold my daughter’s baby.”

When everything else feels uncertain, Jaquelyn holds onto one simple truth:

“I’m going to hold my daughter’s baby.”

Her daughter is only seven.

But that future is already written in her heart.

It’s not just hope—it’s belief.

Jaquelyn’s story is not just about surviving cancer.

It’s about what happens after—when you begin to rebuild.

Not back to who you were, but into someone more aware. More intentional. More aligned.

Rooted in faith.
Rebuilt through wellness.

And becoming someone who doesn’t just heal—but helps others do the same.

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Finding Purpose on the Other Side of Survival

At 43, Trisha Davis thought she understood life.

She had built a career. She had found her rhythm. She had lived through challenges before. But cancer has a way of rewriting everything you thought you knew—about your body, your future, and even yourself.

“I realized everything I thought I knew about cancer… was wrong.”

That realization didn’t just mark the beginning of her diagnosis—it marked the beginning of a transformation for Trisha.

When Life Splits in Two

There is a version of life before cancer—and then there is everything that comes after.

For Trisha, the diagnosis didn’t come with clear warning signs or a roadmap. What began as symptoms that didn’t quite make sense turned into something far bigger. Surgery. A stage 3C diagnosis. Chemotherapy.

And suddenly, the life she knew no longer fit.

But in the middle of fear, something unexpected began to take root.

Clarity.

“I feel like this changed my life… I was meant for more.”

The Quiet Shifts That Change Everything

Cancer didn’t just impact her physically—it reshaped how Trisha sees the world.

She speaks openly about how her priorities shifted—learning to love herself more, understanding her worth, and letting go of what no longer fulfills her. Before cancer, she had already pivoted once—leaving hospice work after burnout and moving into medical billing within mental health care. But even that no longer felt like enough.

“It doesn’t soothe me anymore.”

That feeling—that quiet unrest—is something many survivors recognize. It’s not dissatisfaction. It’s awakening.

The Spark: A Hunger You Can’t Ignore

Somewhere along the journey, something shifted from surviving… to searching.

“I just want to know as much as I can… I love hearing everybody’s story. It’s just so important to me now. It’s a hunger I can’t feed.”

That hunger? It’s purpose trying to find its voice.

Trisha doesn’t have all the answers yet—and she’s okay with that. What she does have is a willingness to say yes: to advocacy, to learning, to connection, and to stepping into spaces she never imagined herself in.

Because sometimes, the next step isn’t a full plan—it’s simply the next yes.

Redefining What Comes Next

For many survivors, the question isn’t “Am I done with cancer?” It’s “Now what do I do with this life I still have?”

For Trisha, the answer is unfolding in real time.

She’s returning to a childhood dream—pursuing a degree in creative writing. Not because it’s practical. Not because it’s expected. But because it matters.

“I just want to soak it all in… and leave something along the way.”

There’s something powerful about that shift—from building a life to leaving a legacy.

From Survivor to Something More

What’s most striking about Trisha Davis’s story isn’t just survival—it’s direction.

She isn’t waiting for life to return to normal. She’s building something new.

“I don’t spend time thinking how much time I have left… I think about what I can do to take someone else’s life through this journey.”

That is the turning point. That is where healing becomes purpose.

So… What’s Next After Cancer?

Maybe it’s not one answer.

Maybe it’s trying things before you feel ready. Letting your passions lead. Finding your people. Sharing your story—even when it feels unfinished. Saying yes, again and again, until something clicks.

Or maybe… it’s simply allowing yourself to believe there is more for you.

And maybe that’s the most beautiful part of what comes after cancer—you don’t walk forward alone. Like a circle of elephants, steady and strong, we gather around one another… remembering, protecting, guiding. The ones who came before us show us the path. The ones beside us help carry the weight. And the ones who come after will find their way because we chose to share our stories.

This is sisterhood. This is survival.

And somewhere in the space between what was… and what comes next,

She’s becoming.

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“I like to say the luck of a calendar—and an ultrasound—saved my life.”

This month, we recognize both World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8 and National Cancer Research Month; stories like Vicky’s remind us just how life-changing awareness, research, and early action can be.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Vicky: 20 years as an ovarian cancer survivor.

Diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in her mid-40s, her journey is not only a story of resilience—it is also a powerful example of how research, genetic understanding, and proactive care continue to shape the future of gynecologic cancer outcomes.

A Life Saved by Awareness—and Timing

Vicky had always known she carried a higher risk. Her mother had experienced both ovarian and breast cancer, and while genetic testing was not yet commonly discussed, the family history was impossible to ignore.

So she stayed consistent with her care.

An annual gynecological visit.
An added ultrasound.
A commitment to paying attention.

When subtle symptoms appeared—fatigue, bloating, feeling full quickly—she initially attributed them to stress and exhaustion from work and daily life.

But timing intervened.

Her already-scheduled appointment led to additional imaging, and within days, everything changed.

“That’s where the luck of the calendar comes in… I didn’t have time to wait. I was in surgery the next morning.”

The Power of Genetic Knowledge

At the time of Vicky’s diagnosis, genetic testing was far less accessible and far less understood than it is today.

It wasn’t until after treatment that she learned she carried a BRCA mutation—something her doctors had strongly suspected based on her family history.

Today, that information can change lives.

Genetic testing now helps

Identify hereditary cancer risk earlier
Guide treatment decisions
Inform family members who may also be at risk
Open the door to preventative care and targeted therapies

For Vicky’s family, that knowledge became deeply personal.

One of her brothers tested positive for the mutation. Her niece later tested positive as well and chose preventative surgeries after completing her family.

“Knowing gives you choices.”

Why Cancer Research Matters

During treatment, Vicky underwent an aggressive protocol called intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, a treatment approach that was still evolving at the time.

“I would turn like a rotisserie chicken… just trying to soak the cancer cells.”

Years later, researchers discovered something important:
Patients with BRCA mutations often respond especially well to certain therapies, including treatments similar to the one Vicky received.

That is the power of cancer research.

Research helps physicians:

Develop more effective treatments
Understand how genetics influence outcomes
Improve survival rates
Personalize care for each patient

What once felt experimental or uncertain has now become part of a more targeted, informed future for ovarian cancer patients.

The Reality of Long-Term Survivorship

Twenty years later, Vicky still speaks honestly about survivorship.

The treatment may end, but survivorship continues:

Neuropathy
Brain fog
Lingering physical effects
Emotional adjustment
The fear and uncertainty that can follow treatment

“No one prepares you for after cancer… I felt untethered.”

But over time, survivorship also becomes something else:
Perspective. Purpose. Hope.

And for women facing ovarian cancer today, long-term survivors matter deeply.

They are proof that progress is happening.

“Every time I thought I might stop showing up… someone would hug me and say,
‘You’ve given me hope.’”

What Vicky Wants Women to Know

After two decades of survivorship, Vicky’s message is simple, powerful, and urgent:

Know your family history

Have the conversations. Ask questions. Information matters.

Understand your risk

Genetic testing can provide answers—and options.

Listen to your body

“If something feels off and lasts more than two weeks, go to the doctor.”

Don’t delay care

Early action can change outcomes.

Take care of yourself, too

Women so often prioritize everyone else first. Your health matters.

Hope Built Through Awareness and Research

Vicky’s story spans two decades of progress:

From limited genetic understanding → to precision medicine
From silence → to stronger survivor communities
From uncertainty → to greater hope for future patients

Vicky’s journey reminds us why awareness and research both matter so deeply.

Because every study, every conversation, every shared story, and every early diagnosis has the power to change another woman’s future.

And because when women speak up, support one another, and advocate for research and awareness—
she wins.

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Sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest weight.

For Lisa, it started with a shirt.

During her ovarian cancer treatment, in a season filled with uncertainty and overwhelm, she received a Teal Diva port shirt—a simple, thoughtful gift designed with comfort and dignity in mind. But to Lisa, it became so much more.

“It meant more to me than I can fully put into words. In a time that felt overwhelming, it made me feel seen and supported as an ovarian cancer patient.”

That feeling—of being seen, of being held by a community even from afar—is at the heart of everything Teal Diva strives to do.

Finding Meaning in the Milestone

As Lisa moved through treatment, she began looking ahead—not just to healing, but to what came next. When she discovered that the Teal Diva 5K aligned with her recovery timeline, something clicked.

“It felt incredibly meaningful—like the perfect way to honor the end of my frontline treatment while supporting other women walking a similar path.”

It wasn’t just about crossing a finish line.
It was about reclaiming strength.
About marking a moment.
About giving back.

Miles Apart, Still Connected

Living in California didn’t stop Lisa from showing up.

Instead, she created her own moment of connection—organizing a local walk in Folsom so she could participate virtually alongside the Teal Diva community.

And that’s the beauty of this movement: whether you’re walking side-by-side in person or across the country, every step is part of the same story.

“I wanted to still feel connected to the broader Teal Diva community.”

Turning Gratitude Into Action

Lisa’s experience didn’t end with participation—it sparked purpose.

Having felt the impact of Teal Diva’s programs firsthand, she made the decision to fundraise, ensuring other women could receive that same care and connection.

“I’m fundraising because I’ve experienced firsthand how impactful your programs are, and I want to help ensure that same support reaches others who need it.”

JOIN LISA’S TEAM HERE

Why It Matters

Lisa also shared something that stays with us:

“I wish we had local support like this in my area—but unfortunately, we don’t.”

And that’s exactly why Teal Diva continues to grow, to show up, and to reach beyond borders—because no woman should have to navigate this journey without support.

Be Part of the Story

Lisa’s journey is a reminder that impact doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither does sisterhood.

Whether you’re walking, running, cheering, or volunteering, you are helping create moments like this for someone else.

• Register for the Teal Diva 5K
• Volunteer and support the experience
• Fundraise to expand our reach

Because when one woman feels seen, supported, and strong enough to keep going…
we all move forward together.

Like a herd that never leaves one behind, we walk together—stronger, louder, and more connected with every step.

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At Teal Diva, everything begins with connection — the kind that turns strangers into sisters and moments into meaning. And sometimes, that connection starts with something as simple as a search… or a color that already feels like home.

For Kristin Hahn, it was both.

“I wore a lot of teal in college,” she shared — a nod to her time as class president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega, where service and sisterhood were already deeply woven into her life. So when she began looking for volunteer opportunities, something about Teal Diva immediately felt familiar.

What started as a search for a local charity 5K quickly turned into something more.

“I found Teal Diva, saw the community, and it just kind of snowballed from there,” Kristin said. “I kept seeing posts, hearing about it, and it just felt like the right place.”

Now, that path has led her here — stepping into the role of Volunteer Coordinator with a heart ready to serve.

A Natural Helper, A Purposeful Leader

Kristin’s background in marketing, paired with a minor in leadership, gives her the skillset — but it’s her spirit that truly defines her.

“Honestly, my favorite thing to do is help people.”

It’s something that has always been part of who she is. In college, she was the one who said yes to everything — involved, engaged, and constantly showing up. These days, that same passion is simply more intentional, more grounded, and deeply aligned with purpose.

As she steps into this new role, Kristin isn’t rushing to change things — she’s choosing to listen first.

“I really want to get a feel for the group… to get to know everyone and learn more about them.”

It’s a thoughtful approach that reflects what Teal Diva is all about: people first, always.

Drawn to the Mission — and the Meaning Behind It

What resonated most with Kristin wasn’t just the events or the outreach — it was the heart behind it.

“I think this is a very underserved, unsupported group,” she shared. “And I’m excited to be able to help in whatever way I can.”

Her passion for mental health advocacy also plays a powerful role in her connection to Teal Diva’s mission.

“There are so many people going through things like this who don’t have support. They don’t know where to go, who to talk to. They feel alone.

That understanding — that awareness of the emotional weight people carry — aligns seamlessly with the work Teal Diva does every day. From programs like Yes Girl! to community events and connection opportunities, the goal is simple but profound: no one should have to walk this journey alone.

And Kristin gets that.

Looking Ahead

When asked what she’s most excited about, her answer was immediate:

“Honestly… all of it.”

From the upcoming Teal Diva 5K to future events and opportunities to grow community engagement, Kristin is stepping in with open hands and an open heart.

She’s not just here to coordinate volunteers — she’s here to build relationships, create meaningful experiences, and help ensure that every woman who finds Teal Diva feels what she felt when she first discovered it:

Connection. Purpose. Belonging.

Learn more about the Teal Diva 5k

Welcome to the Sisterhood, Kristin

At Teal Diva, we often say that people don’t just find this community by accident — they find it when they need it, or when they’re meant to help someone else who does.

Kristin Hahn is both.

And we are so grateful she’s here.

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At Teal Diva, volunteering is more than showing up—it’s stepping into something bigger than yourself. It’s connection. It’s purpose. It’s heart.

And for the past few years, Joe Coyazo has helped shape that experience for so many.

As he transitions from his role as Volunteer Coordinator, Joe leaves us with reflections that beautifully capture what it means to be part of this community.

A Culture Like No Other

Joe describes the volunteer culture at Teal Diva as something truly special—something you feel the moment you walk into a room.

Fast-paced. High-energy. Full of life.

But more than that—it’s joyful.

It’s the laughter at early morning race setups.
It’s the sparkle and flair at events.
It’s the hugs, the smiles, the unspoken understanding that everyone is there for something deeply meaningful.

This isn’t just volunteering.
This is belonging.

Connection Begins with Understanding

What makes a volunteer feel truly connected?

According to Joe, it starts with understanding the why.

When volunteers are given a clear picture of the mission—when they understand the realities of gynecologic and ovarian cancer—it transforms their role. They’re no longer just helping at an event… they’re becoming advocates. Educators. Supporters.

They carry the message forward.

And that matters.

Leading with Compassion

In a community rooted in survivorship and support, compassion isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Joe reminds us that many of the women and families we meet are walking (or have walked) incredibly difficult roads. As volunteers, we’re invited into those spaces with care.

That means:

Leading with empathy
Speaking with kindness
Holding space for both strength and vulnerability

It also means recognizing that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t words—it’s presence.

The Heartbeat of Our Events

If you’ve ever been part of the Teal Diva 5K, you already know—it’s more than an event.

It’s a movement.

And it takes a village.

From early morning setup to cheering on participants, the 5K requires an incredible level of coordination, energy, and teamwork. Every volunteer plays a role in creating an experience that is both meaningful and memorable.

Because at the center of it all is a shared purpose:
To support.
To educate.
To remind every participant—they are not alone.

volunteer for the Teal Diva 5k

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Events don’t always go perfectly—and that’s okay.

Joe shares that success isn’t about avoiding change—it’s about how you respond to it.

Flexibility. Trust. Teamwork.

Knowing who to lean on.
Knowing how to pivot.
And knowing that no matter what, the mission stays at the center.

That’s what keeps everything moving forward.

Showing Up—Every Time

One of the things Joe is most proud of?

Teal Diva has never canceled an event during his time as Volunteer Coordinator.

Even when roles were hard to fill.
Even when schedules were tight.
Even when last-minute needs arose.

Because this community shows up.

The Board. The volunteers. The supporters.

Together, they’ve ensured that survivors and those currently battling always have a place to turn—a place where hope is not just spoken, but lived.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As Joe steps into his next chapter, his gratitude is unmistakable.

“I have met some amazing people along the way. I sincerely want to thank every volunteer that I have worked with. Your time and effort do not go unnoticed. There is no way I could have done this without all your help.

To Shannon Routh, to the Teal Diva leadership, and to every volunteer who gave their time and heart—thank you.“

And to Joe—thank you for the energy, the leadership, and the love you’ve poured into this community.

Not Goodbye—Just See You Soon

Teal Diva has a way of staying with you.

It lives in the connections you’ve made.
The stories you’ve heard.
The lives you’ve touched.

And as Joe so perfectly said—

This is not goodbye… just see you at the next event.

At Teal Diva, once you’re part of the sisterhood—you always are.

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As we begin National Volunteer Month, we’re reminded that support does not always arrive in big ways or from expected places. Sometimes, it comes from the smallest hands with the biggest hearts.

Recently, we learned about Isaiah, the nephew of our community member Katie. After hearing about Katie’s ovarian cancer journey and the impact of infusion shirts, Isaiah decided to do something about it. He made beaded keychains to raise money — not because anyone asked him to, and not because he wanted anything for himself, but because he wanted to help women during their hardest times.

You do not have to be an adult, a survivor, or fully understand the weight of cancer to make a difference. You just have to care enough to act.

That kind of compassion stops you in your tracks.

A child choosing compassion when he could have chosen anything else.

At Teal Diva, we often talk about support, sisterhood, and showing up for one another. Isaiah’s story is a beautiful reminder that support is more than a feeling — it is action. It is seeing a need and deciding to step in, no matter your age or ability.

That same spirit is at the heart of the Teal Diva 5K.

Volunteering and fundraising are two powerful ways our community turns compassion into impact. Every volunteer helps create an experience where survivors feel seen, loved, and supported. Every fundraiser helps provide meaningful resources, including programs and items like infusion shirts that bring comfort during treatment.

Support comes in all shapes and sizes. It may look like serving on race day, starting a fundraiser, joining a team, sharing the mission with friends, or making something by hand to help someone else. What matters most is the willingness to show up.

This National Volunteer Month, let Isaiah’s example be an invitation.

Ready to turn compassion into action?

Register for the Teal Diva 5K.
Volunteer.
Start a fundraiser.

Because when compassion becomes action — whether through a child with a handful of beads or a community coming together for a 5K — it becomes something powerful.

And to someone walking through one of the hardest seasons of her life, that kind of support means everything.

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Honoring Women’s History Month

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate more than history—we celebrate the women actively shaping the world around us.

The women building businesses.
The women creating beauty.
The women working behind the scenes to bring moments—and missions—to life.

At Teal Diva, we are especially grateful for the women who use their talents not just to grow businesses, but to strengthen community, elevate stories, and support something bigger than themselves.

Today, we’re honored to spotlight three incredible women doing just that.

Clarity & Calling: Anna Smith, Founder of Hibiscus Brand Management

https://www.logodesigncharlotte.com

Anna Smith is the founder of Hibiscus Brand Management, a Charlotte-based branding and website design studio dedicated to helping businesses grow with clarity and purpose.

Her work goes far beyond logos.

She helps organizations understand who they are, what they stand for, and how to show up consistently—from their website to their social media to their events.

“Branding is more than a logo. It’s how a company communicates who they are and how they show up.”

What started as a collaboration became something more—a shared belief in hope, purpose, and helping others.

Anna specializes in working with builders, architects, and service-based businesses—but her work with nonprofits holds a special place in her heart.

She helps mission-driven organizations translate powerful stories into clear, credible, and compelling brands—making it easier for them to grow their impact.

Her connection to Teal Diva goes back to the very beginning. In the early days, she volunteered her time to help shape the Teal Diva brand, including refining the now-signature teal identity seen across events and campaigns today.

“Help good people doing good work be seen clearly and professionally.”

Creating Magical Moments: Samantha, Owner of CLT Balloons

CLT Balloons

Meet Samantha, the owner of CLT Balloons and Balloon Room—a woman-owned business bringing creativity, joy, and elevated design to celebrations across Charlotte.

Through custom balloon installations, Samantha transforms spaces into experiences. From fundraisers and corporate events to community celebrations, her work helps tell the story behind each moment.

Her retail shop offers helium balloons, gift wrapping, and curated party supplies—making it easy to add thoughtful, high-quality details to any occasion.

“Beautiful design doesn’t just decorate a space—it brings people together.”

For the past four years, Samantha has supported Teal Diva through event décor—helping create spaces that celebrate strength, resilience, and connection.

Her “why” is deeply personal.

Having lost both her father and grandmother to cancer, she understands the importance of organizations that provide support, awareness, and hope.

Her work is more than design—it’s a way of giving back.

Bringing It All Together: Angela Simcox, Queen City Event Management & Consulting

Angela Simcox, owner of Queen City Event Management & Consulting, is the force behind the scenes—ensuring events don’t just happen, but happen beautifully.

Through full-service event management and consulting, Angela helps businesses and nonprofits plan and execute seamless, meaningful events.

From logistics to guest experience, every detail is handled with care and intention.

“The best events don’t just happen—they’re thoughtfully built.”

Angela’s work allows organizations to focus on their mission while she brings their vision to life.

Her impact is often unseen—but always felt.

Because when every detail is aligned, something powerful happens: people connect.

In Action: A Community Effort

At Teal Diva, we don’t just celebrate these women—we partner with them.

A beautiful example of this collaboration is the Teal Diva 5K, where each of these businesses plays a role in bringing the experience to life.

Anna helps create the visual identity and graphics that carry the message forward.
Samantha designs balloon décor that transforms the space into something welcoming and celebratory. Angela leads event coordination, ensuring every detail comes together seamlessly.

“When women collaborate, something extraordinary happens—vision becomes experience, and purpose becomes connection.”

It’s more than an event.

It’s a reflection of what happens when women support women—each bringing their unique gifts to create something meaningful for the community.

Why These Stories Matter

Each of these women brings something different.

Clarity.
Creativity.
Coordination.

But together, they represent something bigger.

They are builders of experience.
Amplifiers of mission.
Creators of connection.

“Behind every meaningful moment is a woman who helped make it possible.”

Closing Reflection

At Teal Diva, we know that no one builds alone.

It takes vision.
It takes courage.
And it takes women who choose to show up—for each other, for their communities, and for causes that matter.

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who create, design, organize, and uplift.

The women behind the moments.
The women behind the mission.
The women who make space for others to shine.

Because when one woman is seen—
it creates space for all of us to rise.

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The Programs That Support the Teal Diva Community

In our previous blog, we introduced you to the women and leaders who help guide Teal Diva’s mission—the board and staff who work behind the scenes to support this community.

This is the work their leadership helps make possible.

At Teal Diva, a mission is more than something we believe in.
It’s something we put into action every day.

Everything we do is rooted in one simple promise: no woman facing gynecologic cancer should ever have to walk this journey alone.

The programs we offer exist to support survivors emotionally, practically, and spiritually throughout their cancer journeys. Because while cancer may be part of a woman’s story, she should never have to face it without community.

“At Teal Diva, programs aren’t just services—they’re spaces where survivors find connection, understanding, and sisterhood.”

Yes Girl!

Saying Yes to Connection, Healing, and Hope

At Teal Diva, we believe in saying yes — yes to connection, yes to healing, and yes to hope.

Yes Girl! brings together programs that nurture the heart, strengthen the spirit, and meet real-life needs for women facing gynecologic cancer.

When we say yes, she wins.

Every Yes Girl! program is designed to support her in a different way — emotionally, practically, and financially. Whether it’s through shared connection, hands-on help, or direct assistance, each program meets her where she is and reminds her that she is seen, supported, and never alone.

The Sisterhood Series

Where Connection Is the Best Medicine

The Sisterhood Series is where we meet outside the clinic — a space for connection, laughter, and healing through shared experience. It’s about rediscovering yourself, building friendships, and remembering that joy still exists, even in the midst of cancer.

Art Therapy
Guided creative experiences that encourage self-expression, release, and reflection.

Eco-Therapy
Experiences in nature shared with other survivors and often led by survivors — from yoga and walks to hikes, kayaking, and group runs — all designed to restore body and mind.

Social Meetups
Opportunities to gather, laugh, and connect through survivor dinners, lunches, and photo shoots celebrating resilience and beauty.

Little Lifts
Small acts of kindness that “lift” a woman’s spirits during chemotherapy, reminding her she’s not alone in her journey.

Hope Notes
We invite you to write uplifting messages to women who need encouragement. Imagine: amidst the weight of treatment or tough news, she opens her mailbox to find it overflowing with love, prayers, and hope-filled notes.

Retreats

A Time to Rest, Reflect, and Renew

More than a weekend getaway — it’s a life-changing experience.

Over four days, twenty gynecologic cancer survivors come together as strangers and leave as friends. Through rest, reflection, and shared stories, they rediscover hope, renewal, and what comes next after cancer.

Home & Lawn Projects

Help When Everyday Tasks Feel Overwhelming

Cancer is an interruption — but the honey-do list doesn’t stop.

This program offers short-term, practical help from volunteers who lend a few hours or a half day to tackle small projects around the home. Together with the patient, we review her wish list and identify what can realistically be completed — whether it’s light repairs, yardwork, or simple tasks that help her focus on healing and rest.

Grants & Financial Assistance

Support When It Matters Most

Cancer can create financial strain at the very moment a woman needs stability the most.

Through grants and financial assistance, Teal Diva helps provide meaningful support — from gift cards and bill assistance to Dignity Apparel and post-treatment counseling through The After Cancer Program.

These resources help survivors navigate the practical realities of treatment and recovery while focusing on what matters most: healing.

“What begins as support often becomes something more—a community of women carrying one another forward.”

The People Behind the Programs

Every Sisterhood gathering, encouragement note, retreat, and act of kindness is made possible by volunteers and committee members who dedicate their time and energy to supporting others.

Many of them are survivors themselves. Others have been touched by gynecologic or other cancers through family or friends.

Finance Committee

Programs Committee

Their work reflects the same spirit that guides the entire Teal Diva community—women supporting women through every stage of the journey.

A Mission in Action

Together, these programs represent the living expression of Teal Diva’s mission.

People who care deeply about survivors.
Programs designed to support them.
A community built on empathy, resilience, and hope.

There’s something powerful that happens when women come together in support of one another. Like the protective circles formed by female elephants in the wild, this community gathers close during life’s most vulnerable moments—offering strength, encouragement, and steady presence. Through every program, shared story, and small act of kindness, Teal Diva becomes that circle: a place where survivors stand together, lift one another up, and remember that even in the hardest seasons, none of us has to face the journey alone.

Because the mission begins with people—and lives on through the programs that ensure no woman facing gynecologic cancer ever has to walk the journey alone.

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The Women and Leaders Behind Our Mission

A Women’s History Month Reflection

During Women’s History Month, we often celebrate the trailblazers who shaped history. But it’s also a time to recognize the women who quietly build community every day—lifting one another up, offering support, and creating spaces where others can find strength.

At Teal Diva, that spirit of women supporting women lives at the heart of everything we do.

And it’s the same spirit that guides the people working behind the scenes to support this community.

At Teal Diva, everything we do begins with one simple belief: no woman facing gynecologic cancer should ever have to walk this journey alone.

The retreats, survivor gatherings, encouragement outreach, and moments of connection that define this community don’t happen by accident. They are made possible by a dedicated group of leaders, survivors, advocates, and volunteers who believe deeply in the mission of supporting women and families affected by gynecologic cancers.

Every community has people who quietly hold it together—the ones who show up, lend their talents, and help ensure no one has to face hard moments alone.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to the staff and board members who help nurture this community and support the women who are part of it.

“At Teal Diva, community isn’t just part of the mission—it’s the heart of how survivors support one another.”

Staff

Shannon Routh

Founder & Executive Director

At just 32 years old and newly married, Shannon was diagnosed with Stage IIa clear-cell carcinoma, a rare gynecologic cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, she turned her experience into something powerful—creating Teal Diva so that other women facing gynecologic cancers could find the support and connection she knew mattered so much.

Her vision was beautifully simple:

Healing isn’t just about treating the body—it’s about connection, community, and celebrating life beyond cancer.

Christy Chambers

Social Media & Content Coordinator

Christy is a mom, artist, and stage 4B cervical cancer survivor. After attending a Teal Diva retreat in 2023, she experienced firsthand the powerful sense of connection that happens when survivors gather together.

Today, she helps share the stories of this community through social media and storytelling—amplifying survivor voices, spreading awareness about gynecologic cancers, and reminding others that hope can still grow even in the hardest seasons.

Stan Elling

Mission Support Coordinator

Stan first learned about Teal Diva after meeting Shannon and her family in their neighborhood and hearing about the organization’s mission. Inspired by the impact the community was having on women facing cancer, she began volunteering her time.

Today, Stan supports the organization both behind the scenes and at events, helping ensure the programs and gatherings that mean so much to survivors continue to run smoothly.

Board of Directors

Each member of the Teal Diva board brings their own story, experience, and passion to the mission. Some were drawn to the organization through personal experiences with cancer, while others were inspired by the community they discovered through Teal Diva’s work.

Together, they help guide the organization while ensuring survivors remain at the heart of every decision.

Bridget McClellan

Board Chair

Bridget first connected with Teal Diva after a close friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Although she later lost her friend, she found a powerful sense of community within Teal Diva during that difficult time.

Today, she honors her friend’s memory by helping ensure other women and families can find that same circle of support.

Amy Treadwell, DVM, DACVO

Vice Chair

Amy is a veterinary ophthalmologist and a survivor of stage IIIC endometrial cancer. Her experience navigating diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer inspired a deep commitment to supporting others on a similar journey.

Through her work with Teal Diva, Amy helps ensure survivors continue to find encouragement, understanding, and celebration in life beyond diagnosis.

Perry Blickenstaff

Treasurer

Perry is the founder of JPB Accounting Services and has spent her career helping entrepreneurs feel confident and supported in their businesses.

She was drawn to Teal Diva because of its mission to uplift women affected by gynecologic cancers, and she uses her financial expertise to help ensure the organization’s programs remain strong and sustainable.

Jenni Miehle

Secretary

Jenni Miehle is the owner of The Nerdy Designer, a creative studio focused on information design and visual storytelling.

As the granddaughter of a uterine cancer survivor, she feels a personal connection to Teal Diva’s mission and enjoys supporting the organization with both her creativity and organizational skills.

Jasmine Swaggard

Board Member

Jasmine’s connection to Teal Diva is deeply personal. Her mother is a long-term ovarian cancer survivor, and she also honors the memory of her grandmother who lost her battle with the disease.

Her involvement with the organization is fueled by a desire to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and inspire hope for families facing gynecologic cancers.

Jessica Lineberger, MSN, FNP-C

Board Member

Jessica is a nurse practitioner whose career has included work in psychiatry, emergency medicine, and hospital medicine.

Through her work caring for patients and families, she has seen firsthand how important compassionate community support can be during difficult times, which drew her to the mission of Teal Diva.

Leigh Bryant

Board Member

Leigh is a real estate professional and leader with more than two decades of experience in sales and business development.

After losing a friend to ovarian cancer and supporting her mother through breast cancer survivorship, she felt called to help build communities where women feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.

Lisa Helms

Board Member

Lisa first discovered Teal Diva while volunteering at the Teal Diva 5K after completing treatment for ovarian cancer.

Inspired by the community she found, she became an active volunteer and now supports survivors through the YES Girl! program while mentoring women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Tara Ballard

Board Member

Tara has dedicated more than two decades to oncology care and cancer support programs.

Her experience in oncology rehabilitation, wellness, and survivorship programs brings valuable insight to Teal Diva’s work supporting women and families navigating life during and after cancer

A Community Built on Purpose

Every person involved with Teal Diva brings their own story and passion to this work. Together, they help ensure that survivors and families continue to find the connection, encouragement, and sisterhood that make this community so special.

In many ways, this work is its own quiet chapter of Women’s History—women lifting one another up, creating community, and leaving a legacy of strength for those who come next.

Because at the heart of Teal Diva is a simple truth:

No one should ever have to face gynecologic cancer alone.

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