If there is anything I have learned over the past couple of years, it is that being a mom sometimes means putting yourself last. At times this has taken a toll on my general health. I spend so much time scheduling dental and medical appointments for my husband, my kids – even my dog – that I forget I also need to be making my health a priority. I quickly learned that maintaining my own health was key to being the best mom I can be. As we all know, moms don’t get sick days. We have to power through each day for the benefit of our children and families. This month I am taking time to education myself and celebrate National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
According to www.ovariancancerawareness.org, about 21,000 woman each year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sadly, most of these cases are not discovered until the woman has reached stage 3 of the disease. Often times the cancer has likely spread to the lymph nodes. A couple of years ago I became extremely interested in researching and learning more about ovarian cancer after meeting Dr. Laura Shawver, founder of the Clearity Foundation.
In my professional career I have the distinct pleasure of working in alumnae and collegiate affairs for the national sorority that I was in during college. While working on the alumnae side of things I was fortunate enough to learn more. Dr. Shawver had been nominated for one of the highest awards given out by the sorority, the Award of Achievement. This award pays tribute to women who have made strides within their professional careers and the communities they are living in. Dr. Shawver not only has made significant strides in researching the treatment of ovarian cancer, but she is also a survivor of the disease. In 2013, I had the honor of flying to San Diego, CA to meet her in person and learn more about the Clearity Foundation.
The Clearity Foundation, founded in 2008, is a non-profit organization that provides patient support services to those facing ovarian cancer. The brilliant thing about the Clearity Foundation is that this organization assists women in understanding ovarian cancer and helping patients prioritize their treatment options. This unique foundation provides women with a tumor blueprint. The information obtained through the tumor blueprint offers patients and physicians a better understanding of treatment options that match an individual’s disease. Anyone looking for more information can download this brochure to learn more about the tumor blueprint service offered by the Clearity Foundation. The Clearity Foundation does a spectacular job merging science and philanthropy to create programs for women that can improve their quality of life.
The Clearity Foundation isn’t the only group of people raising awareness of ovarian cancer. There are many other ways that you can educate yourself and help promote awareness of ovarian cancer here in the state of Connecticut.
This month, the Connecticut chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition hosted their annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence in East Hartford, CT on September 16, 2017. This is the chapter’s signature event which serves to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, honor survives of the disease, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease. The Connecticut chapter hosts several other fundraisers and programs throughout the year. To learn more about these programs visit their website.
This month take a day to put yourself first and join me in learning more about ovarian cancer, how this is affecting our local communities, and what you can do to support awareness of this disease. This education could benefit your parents, your daughters, and yourself. You are worth it!
