$5,405.00

In early 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. I completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy treatment in August 2023. Unfortunately, by January 2024, the cancer had already returned. This recurrence really shook my confidence and left me feeling quite down. 

It didn't take long to regain my footing, though, thanks in large part, to my Wilmot Cancer Institute doctors who acted swiftly to get me back into treatment by late February. The doctors and nurses at the Wilmot Cancer Institute have been amazing, confident, reassuring, and knowledgeable, and they have guided me through this with compassion and patience. As before, my chemotherapy treatments have been quite challenging, but I've had great support and help every step of the way from all of the staff at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Infusion Center at Highland Hospital. This year, I have also taken advantage of some of the classes (e.g. Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation, Cooking) and services (e.g. Massage, Acupuncture) available to Wilmot patients for free at the Pluta Center for Integrative Oncology. Despite my recent setback, all of this support has helped me to maintain my positive attitude and to forge ahead with hope and faith.

I completed chemo treatment in early July, and I am now on a maintenance medication that has been found to continue to eliminate cancer and hold things stable. Because it returned so quickly, chances are it will come back, so treatment of some form will continue to be part of my life.   I am deeply thankful to have the cutting edge Wilmot Cancer Institute to follow me through this for the long haul.

To express my thanks, I'm participating in the Wilmot Warrior Weekend (Sept 21-22 2024) in Rochester, NY. The Wilmot Warrior Weekend includes cycling, walking, and running events, and the funds raised are aimed at creating new life saving treatments and cures for cancer patients in New York and around the world.  All fundraising will advance world-class cancer research and survivorship programs at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester. 

I will again participate in the 5k walk.  I'd be so pleased if you would consider supporting my efforts by donating to my fundraiser and, if you feel so inclined, by joining my team, 'The Eye of the Tiger,' to both fundraise and participate with me. In honor of my own 60th birthday on August 2, I have set my team fundraising goal at $6000! WOOHOO!!

Together, let’s leave cancer in the dust!

#WilmotWarrior