Tokyo Marathon 2026: NOCC TEAM TEAL

This year, I registered for the 2026 Tokyo Marathon because I want to raise awareness and funding for National Ovarian Cancer Coalition through my love of running and as a 16 year ovarian cancer survivor! My Mom is a 41 year survivor.

My why; my mom was diagnosed October 2008, when I was six months pregnant with my daughter Krystle. It devastated all of us. We rallied around her and she fought hard during chemotherapy and survived, she is 94 years old now.

Then in 2008, at age 48, I began having symptoms of ovarian cancer, (repeated urinary tract infections, bloating, back ache, and feeling tired all the time),  that I learned about when my Mom was diagnosed, I am very lucky I learned these. In January 2009 I had surgery and was diagnosed with Stage 2C clear cell ovarian cancer. I had an intraperitoneal (IP), port placed and an IV port placed in my chest for chemotherapy. I received 14 chemotherapy treatments using both of these ports and lost every piece of hair on my body. I had outpatient and inpatient treatment. It was physically and mentally hard but I surrounded myself with family and friends who supported me. My colleagues set up meal plans for us and that was so awesome to have. During this time, my children, Krystle and Forrest were in college. I knew what it was like to watch my Mom go through treatment and it hurt so much to have my own children watch me go through treatments and surgeries. I wanted to be around to watch them become successful adults, see weddings, and grandchildren. I chose to fight and made sure my attitude was a positive one! Two years ago we learned that we have the genetic mutation for Lynch Syndrome. Since it's been 16 years, I want everyone to know the symptoms and have support while going through treatments.

Recently my oldest sister, Margaret has been diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. She had a hysterectomy after my diagnosis but she has Lynch syndrome which caused her cancer. She is scheduled for surgery in March and then she’ll have radiation. 

My support, with your help,  will help improve the lives of women, families and communities touched by ovarian cancer. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.

Programs of the NOCC include...

• Research funding
• Meal Delivery to patients and caregivers
• Peer to Peer support groups for patients and caregivers
• Wellness retreats
• Financial Assistance to those experiencing financial stress during treatment
• Patient case management 
• Education and awareness initiatives 

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

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