Hui Shen, PhD, spoke of a particular moment that helped cement her commitment to ovarian cancer research. She was working on a complicated project that required a new genomics technology to work. So she and her team enlisted help from an expert. “This technologist made it all happen,” Hui explained. “We were jumping up and down with the … Continued
“When something is important to you. Be passionate about it. Stay in their face.” That was the advice Kandis Draw received from her mother over and over as she was growing up. She saw echoes of that statement reflected in the three women – Kandis’ mother and her two aunts (dear friends of her mother) … Continued
To speak with Kimberly Richardson is to feel an instant camaraderie with someone who exhibits both calm and conviction, thoughtfulness and frank talk. She has learned a lot in the past 20 years – running triathlons, running a nonprofit in Chicago focused on small business development, teaching urban sociology as an adjunct professor – and … Continued
In 2005, Denise Lobodinski’s sister Renee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 47. That same year, their father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But her father’s doctor told Denise’s mother, “Don’t worry about your husband. Worry about your daughter.” In fifteen years, Denise feels like very little has changed in terms of … Continued
Scared. Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Befuddled. These are common words one might use to describe how we feel during this unprecedented time in history. But Dmitriy Zamarin, MD, PhD, adds “fascinated” to the list as he ponders the psychological and sociological implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. “This small amount of genetic material that has spread through the … Continued
The world works in ironic and sometimes painful ways Yvette Jives, a nurse and social worker in North Carolina, has spent a lifetime helping others. She developed a women’s health program at the community center where she worked for 15 years (after working for 14 years in a hospital), monitoring patients’ cervical and breast cancer … Continued
Sandy Sullivan has a favorite quote that she keeps pinned to her bulletin board. It reads, “If you’re lucky enough to get a second chance at something, don’t waste it.” It’s a powerful statement for anyone, but especially poignant for someone surviving ovarian cancer. And yet, Sandy has always lived her adult life – even … Continued
“Eyebrows are sisters, not twins.” This is the best advice Morgan Gaynor received when she was in treatment for ovarian cancer. She laughed as she admitted it, acknowledging that it may seem ludicrous considering, but for the 31-year-old woman from Red Bank, New Jersey, it was poignant. “There’s something about the eyebrows and eyelashes that … Continued
In the “days BC (before cancer)”, Jess BeCraft was a self-proclaimed DINK (dual income, no kids). A career-driven, world-traveling, Chicago-loving woman, Jess and her husband decided a little over three years ago that they were ready to start a family. “We knew life would dramatically change,” Jess said. “But we had no idea just how … Continued
Jane Rubin speaks quickly, with sentences not so much ending but flowing seamlessly into new thoughts and directions. Listening to her talk about her life and her work is like listening to someone try to cram an epic novel into a paragraph. Her interests and hunger for learning know no bounds. Jane, a 20-year breast … Continued
There are many adjectives one can use to describe ovarian cancer: relentless, cruel, a monster. But Dr. Sunila Pradeep also finds it ironic. “Women spend a lot of time and energy for the next generation. They are playing a major role in continuing life on earth. And then when many of them have fulfilled those … Continued
If you had to describe Lana Holland in just one word, ‘soothing’ would be the word to use. She’s been a massage therapist for more than a decade, calling forth through her hands her earlier training as a social worker. Her voice – gentle, measured, yet filled with conviction – makes you feel as if … Continued
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