Orlando Together in TEAL

Welcome to my Together in TEAL® Page!

A cause near and dear to my heart.

Here's our story....

On January 2, 2012 our lives changed forever.  That morning mom was rushed to the ER due to  severe pain in her abdomen.  A large tumor, that she knew nothing about,  had burst through her ovarian wall. Soon after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

 We were all shocked, confused, and scared but especially confused.  Only a few months prior mom had her annual gynecological exam and nothing abnormal was found. She/ We didn't know that the routine exam does not test for ovarian cancer nor did we know the symptoms. 

She had been experiencing bloating and some abdominal pain but she/we thought nothing of it because we didn't know that could be a sign of ovarian cancer.  No one ever talked about gynecological cancers with us until mom was a patient. 

 She underwent two surgeries and multiple rounds of chemo  spreading awareness by telling her story whenever possible.  Throughout treatment her smile and childlike joy remainded and I know her story touched many lives.

So many wonderful memories were made during her near 2 year fight. Among those memories was our first Teal walk we did together.  We went in not knowing what to expect, thinking it was just a walk. However we soon learned it was so much more! It was stories, laughter,  tears, and most of all learning we were not alone. We found a community that cares. 

Mom  passed November 23, 2013 but her memory and passion for life lives on. She fought so hard through everything . We will continue her fight to bring awareness, hope, and support to those affected by this horrible disease.  No one needs to fight alone.  

I am a member of Team Celebration and walk in memory of Barbara Lynn Budinger, aka mom. 

I walk for her.....and for you.  💙

About Together in Teal....

I am excited to share that I have registered for National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Together in TEAL® event because I am dedicated to raising awareness and funds in support of the ovarian cancer community. My efforts will help improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities who have been impacted by ovarian cancer - but this work cannot be done alone. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising goals. 

Funds raised for the NOCC support national programs and local community initiatives to heighten awareness of the subtle signs, symptoms, and risks of ovarian cancer, provide quality-of-life and educational resources to survivors and caregivers throughout their journey, and advocate for the advancement of life-saving ovarian cancer research.

Together we can strengthen the TEAL community and use our passion and voices to fight this relentless disease that has claimed too many lives. 

Join me by donating today, and bring us one step closer to a future where no one ever loses their life to ovarian cancer.