Believe…

in being your own advocate

Delia Zapien

Hello, my name is Delia Zapien. I am a 21-year ovarian cancer survivor! I was diagnosed at 22 yrs. old.

I am very fortunate to have been persistent. My symptoms included urinary urgency, fatigue, back pain, bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Because of my age, ovarian cancer wasn’t on the doctor’s radar to screen. After the fifth time being prescribed antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection, I refused to leave the doctor. I insisted that further testing be performed. By this time, about a year to diagnose, my stomach was so bloated I had to loosen my pants to relieve discomfort. Finally convinced, my doctor agreed and performed numerous tests.

I underwent surgery and chemo in 2002. In 2009, I sought fertility. God blessed me with my son Emiliano. Today I am the founder of IE 4 Teal -Ovarian Cancer Awareness of the Inland Empire.