Today we have a special story from two sisters who are honoring their mom after loosing her to ovarian cancer 15 years ago. Read their story below, and show them some Teal Diva love! Thank you Melissa & Rebecca for sharing your story!

---

We are Melissa and Rebecca Carle from Galloway, NJ, and Baltimore, MD. We lost our mother to ovarian cancer when Melissa was just 15 years old and Rebecca was 17; April 11, 2024 marks 15 years that she will have been gone. So to honor her, we are going to be participating in 15 5Ks across the country between now and April of next year. Although we may not be able to attend all of them in person, we would like to support a variety of organizations, and we’re excited that yours is one of them! We will be (virtually) participating in the Teal Diva 5K on May 6 as Team Donna.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 throughout these events ($1,000 per race), for the 15 years she will be gone. We have a website where we will be tracking our progress with our fundraising pages linked as well. We are going to be calling on our friends and family to support us along the way, either by joining the races with us, or donating (or both)!

When our mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer she was only 42 (back in 2007). We had no idea what ovarian cancer was until this experience; there was no family history or anything like that. Our parents learned more and kept a lot of it to themselves at the time because we were so young and they didn’t want to scare us (we also have a younger brother). With that knowledge, they decided to get her tested for the BRCA gene mutations, which would help us in the future to know our risk of developing this disease ourselves. It turns out she had inherited the BRCA1 gene mutation from her father, which not many people realize could be passed down from a male. She was the type of person who always put everyone else, especially her children, before herself, so it was hard for her to take a step back when she was sick. She always enjoyed coming to all of our sporting events, class trips, etc. because she was such an involved mom. She fought this disease for about two years and passed away just 4 days before her 45th birthday. Her legacy still lives on through her three kids and we still hear so many amazing stories about her until this day. She was taken way too soon and we had to get through pretty crucial parts of our lives without her. We’re doing this not only to raise awareness and help fund research for this disease to try and help other families but also to ensure she lives on because she was too good to be forgotten.

Here is our current race schedule:

1: 4/22/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Sandy Sprint ✓

2: 5/6/23 – Charlotte, NC (Virtual) – Teal Diva 5K

3: 5/13/23 – Birmingham, AL (Virtual) – 20th Annual Motherwalk

4: 5/20/23 – Minoa, NY (Virtual) – Teal Ribbon Run/Walk

5: 6/3/23 – Wauwatosa, WI (Virtual)- Ray of Hope Run

6: 6/10/23 – Denver, CO – Jodi’s Race for Awareness

7: 7/4/23 – Marcellus, NY (Virtual) – Teal There’s A Cure 5K

8: 7/22/23 – Sea Isle City, NJ – Sandy Sprint

9: 8/5/23 – Cleveland, OH – OutRun Ovarian Cancer

10: TBD

11: TBD

12: TBD

13: TBD

14: TBD

15: TBD

With that being said, we’re always looking for opportunities to get the word out and make new connections through the ovarian cancer community. Unfortunately, we found out our mom carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, and Rebecca was tested and also has it, so we are very much still affected by the disease today through both the loss and the genetics. Please feel free to follow our journey either by signing up for updates through the website or Melissa’s public Instagram page @simplymisunderstoodxo.

We are excited to try and shed a light on ovarian cancer, as we did not know anything about it until our mom was diagnosed, as well as keep her alive in spirit no matter how long it’s been. #TEALTheresAcure

We have a few more days in the ‘month of love’, and we want to dive into love for one’s self and health. As women, we know that usually, we take care of everyone else in our lives before we think about taking care of ourselves and our health. Did you know that February is national heart month? When was the last time you took inventory of your heart and cardiovascular health? Have you ever thought about your heart and cardiovascular health? Most people think that heart disease and heart attacks are something that only happens to older white men, but that is so far from the truth. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women and less than 50% of women know the signs and symptoms. Black and Hispanic women are less likely than white women to be aware of heart attack symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health. One of the things that we say over and over and over here at Teal Diva is “advocate for your health” and “you are your best advocate”, well the same is true for your cardiovascular health. Did you also know that symptoms of a heart attack in women are different than those of men?

Symptoms for a heart attack in women:

• Shortness of breath
• Pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Dizziness
• Upper back pressure
• Extreme fatigue

Knowing your family history is also important. Heart disease can be passed down from generation to generation so knowing your family’s health history is something that you need to talk to your doctor about. Even though we can’t change our genes, we can do things daily that help.

• Don’t smoke.
• Keeping track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
• Eat healthily
• Get up and move more

Remember we LOVE you, but more importantly, we want YOU to love YOU! Make time to take care of yourself, sign up for that exercise class, try that new recipe, and talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

*health information was gathered from American Heart Association and the CDC

Love is in the air! This is the month where we show love to our family, our friends, our kids, and ourselves, but what about showing some love to someone you don’t even know? Why don’t you grab some girlfriends; and give back, speak out, and show some love?

There is nothing we love more than connections over at Teal Diva, and there is nothing more special than gathering your girlfriends together for some no distractions fun! What about a Wine Swap and Charcuterie Night? Or a movie night, but make the movie an old classic? Enjoy each other’s company and let yourself laugh, and connect with those who mean the most to you!

We’ve been inspired by organizations like Hope for Heather who hosted a Galentines for a cause! Survivors and advocates came together to make Valentines for seniors in their community. Who might be in your community that might need some extra love? Think senior centers, fire fighters, police, doctors and nurses, maybe even the person who checks out your groceries!

Want to spend a little time pampering yourself? What about a little spa night getting a mani and pedi? Pick the color teal and take the Teal Butterfly Challenge! Spread awareness by snapping a picture of your teal nails and tag @tealbutterflychallenge. You’ll be lookin’ fresh and helping to spread awareness!

Whatever you do to celebrate and spread the love, know that YOU ARE loved! You are one amazing Diva and WE LOVE YOU! Follow the links for more information on Hope for Heather and Teal Butterfly Challenge.

January isn’t done yet, and we wanted to continue to share stories from our sisters who have or are currently battling cervical cancer. Today Teal Diva sat down with Jelisa. Read just a little of her story below, and let’s all collectively send her all the love, good vibes, and prayers–because we all know that being a survivor is continuing on the journey, and no one is alone in that journey.

Teal Diva: Tell us a little about yourself.

Jeisa : My name is Jelisa. I am 38 years old, a speech therapist, and a mother of three girls, ages 14, 10, and 4. I am a military spouse located right now in Miami.

TD: Tell us how you were diagnosed.

Jeisa: In January 2019, when we were stationed at Charleston, SC, after the birth of my third daughter. In my six weeks of postpartum appointment, I returned to my OBGY to do my Pap smears again since I was 12 weeks pregnant, my Pap Smear showed abnormal results. The doctor repeated it, which resulted in pre-cancerous cells. My doctor referred me to the Oncologist Dr. Katsanis who wasted no time and decided to do a cone biopsy on me in May 2019. In June, I returned for a diagnosis of PT1b Adenocarcinoma.

TD: What is one thing you might tell someone who might be afraid to go to the doctor?

Jeisa: I know it’s not easy; in 2019, my husband was deployed throughout this process, and I had no family in SC, just a few friends I had made at that time. But your doctor and his team is your key person, your most outstanding support, and the only one who can answer all your questions.

TD: How has your diagnosis and journey changed you?

Jeisa: My diagnosis helped me get to know my body more and commit to taking better care of my health and being aware of every sign. Before my diagnosis, I had never had any bleeding, pelvic pain, or any results that indicated that something was wrong I just found out because of a test during my pregnancy.

I always said my baby saves my life if I didn’t get pregnant with her probably, I will found out too late.

TD: How have you used your diagnosis and journey to help others?

Jeisa: I always advise every woman to visit their doctor even if they feel good, routine visits save lives.

TD: What’s one thing you would like to tell someone going through a cervical cancer diagnosis?

Jeisa: Keep going, sister, you are not alone; WE ARE WARRIORS. Your Teal sisters are here for you and your family.

So, how does one begin to tell the story that changes her life? I guess we start at the beginning. My name is Marty Hite. In December 2015 I went to my primary care doctor with what I thought was a UTI. Well after discussing my symptoms and well to be honest the lack of a recent GYN exam, he thought it would be a good idea to do a quick exam while I was there. So ok why would I think this would be out of the ordinary? Right? How things can change in the blink of an eye. During his exam, he saw something abnormal. A small growth turned my world upside down. He had an OGBYN friend and set me up with an appointment that same day to have a biopsy. The results of that…the dreaded C word. So how does one deal with this devastating news right during the holiday season??? I was supported by great friends and family, but it was not the best holiday for sure. I was sent to the Derek Davis Cancer Center in Winston Salem NC. Dr. Skinner did another exam and came to the same conclusions as the others and suggested a full radical hysterectomy that was scheduled for January 2016. In just 1 simple month my world has turned upside down. So here I am thinking that a full radical hysterectomy would take care of this and everything would be fine but nothing is ever that easy. After the surgery, the pathology of the walls of my uterus small cell carcinoma cells was found. My doctor told me that this was a very rare and very aggressive type of cancer. This new meant that my fight was just beginning. We discussed the best treatments and decided to throw the kitchen sink at it and we did. I had 18 sessions of chemotherapy Cisplatin and Etoposide. This was divided, into the first 3 rounds of chemo. Followed by 26 external radiation and 4 internal with Cisplatin during the radiation and ending with the last 3 rounds of the dynamic duo. During the radiation, my blood numbers dropped which led to me getting a total of 5 blood transfusions. We can say that the last round of the chemo was rough.

My last treatment was in July 2016 and it was an exhausting 6 months. My red blood cell and hemoglobin numbers are still below average however not within critical levels. Radiation damage has left me anemic for life. With all stories there is always an ending and mine right now is a happy one. For starters, I have been clear of cancer for 3 years. All through my fight, I struggled to find a reason as to why me. Why did I have to fight this battle? I found a support group online that would provide me with my answer. I learned that a group of ladies that were fighting or had fought the same exact battle met each year for fellowship and a celebration of life. Never would I dreamed how much these women would become my life mission. I have become a member of a new family with this group of women that have strengthened my heart and soul and I am proud to call them friends and family. I will forever be changed by this unforeseen development but with every new experience in life, we learn and grow which only keeps me moving forward.

In 2017 two survivor sisters and I formed Sisters Against Rare Cervical Cancers a nonprofit to help the brave women diagnosed with these horrible cancers. Our goal is to help with the everyday struggles of life that these ladies face.

We help with gas cards to allow women to travel to and from treatments. We buy groceries for single moms unable to work because of their ongoing battle. We help fund travel to MD Anderson in Houston, the only research hospital doing research for our cancer at this time. We send each sister in treatment a teal support blanket to let them know that they are not alone in their fight. We supply needed home medical supplies. We run a grant program for ladies to apply for any needed assistance. We try to help these women and their support system in a way we can.

I came across these photos the other day. I wish I would have felt empowered and embraced my baldness but I did not. Honestly I was 32, fighting for my life. I had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and told I could not bare children in the same breathe. I was thrust into menopause. And just about to celebrate 3 years of marriage. I tend to shut down when things don’t make sense or become too much. I didn’t embrace the weight gain but by golly has it sure embraced me.

The biggest shock to me was learning there was no screening test for this cancer which means the PapSmear does not detect it. And that the disease is up to 90% more treatable if caught in earlier stages (in most cases), but because the symptoms mimic what we as women face on a regular basis, the disease is often misdiagnosed or caught in late stages making it more difficult to treat.

The reason I started Teal Diva is because of the lack of support specifically for gynecologic cancers. You feel like you are on a deserted island. And everyone looks at you woth pitiful eyes. Sure it sucks! No doubt. And like many, I had/have great support from friends and family. People ask me how I do what I do with so much loss involved. I do it because I remember the way that I felt. Empty and alone. Moving from appointment to appointment like a robot. Grieving the loss of my ovaries and carrying children. Wanting so badly to sucker punch cancer the way it had me. I needed it so bad and I feel like others need it too.

While I did not embrace my baldness and all that came with it, I forever embrace the power of a story and sharing. Women, you know your bodies better than anyone. Listen! Your body will tell you when something is wrong. And then, be the best advocate for yourself.