the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Hope to New Heights

I am bringing HOPE to New Heights with TEAM TEAL!

UPDATE! 7/15/24 - I was able to make it to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,341ft! However, my mom and many others still have mountains to climb to  combat this devastating disease. Please consider donating to help raise awareness and funding to help with better screening and support services... see below:

I'm partnering with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition by joining the 2024 Mount Kilimanjaro HOPE TO NEW HEIGHTS trek to help those affected by this devastating disease.

‘It (CANCER) hits harder when it hits home' -- This saying is so true!  My mom was diagnosed a few months ago with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer, which was initially misdiagnosed as a gastrointestinal disorder (diverticulitis). This is very common because there are no good screening tests to detect this aggressive cancer early, when treatments could potentially be more effective. 

My mom, who is normally very active, should be thriving in her 'golden years' not struggling to get out of the chair plagued with fatigue. Watching your loved ones, especially your Mom, struggle with such severe fatigue and the other devastating side effects of cancer and its treatments (e.g., pain, nausea, cachexia, alopecia, etc.) is devastating. It's hard to hold back the tears and remain strong but I must, I am her rock (and she is mine).

Although I've worked in cancer research for over 20 years and have dedicated my "second career" to helping to improve the quality of life of people directly affected by cancer, I have to do more. 

We need more funding to help support earlier detection, treatment, and all of the other essential supportive resources ovarian cancer patients and their families need, particularly in 'rural' communities. 

By partnering with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and helping those affected by this devastating disease - we will show that there is a community willing to go to great lengths to help end ovarian cancer. 

I registered for the 2024 Mount Kilimanjaro HOPE TO NEW HEIGHTS trek because I want to raise awareness and funding for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in a big way. 

My support will help improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities touched by ovarian cancer and I need your help. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts. Together, we will show there is no limit (or height!) that we will go to help end ovarian cancer. 

Any amount is appreciated, and I have committed to raising at least $12,500  - which represents over a dozen patients receiving financial support (who are in financial need), countless patients receiving meal delivery, professional counseling, peer-to-peer support groups and so much more. 

It's the least I can do...although it won't change my mother's diagnosis, it will help others - and hopefully, one day result in better screening tests. 

In this year of great challenges, one even greater challenge remains, saving more lives from ovarian cancer. Dollars raised for the NOCC support national programs and local market initiatives to heighten awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, assist newly diagnosed patients throughout the country, provide ongoing support to caregivers, and advocate for the advancement of ovarian cancer research.

Help me connect with my community and show my passion for saving lives and ending ovarian cancer! 

Thank you!!!

 

Will you please join me to help save lives by donating today?