Patient Stories
“Where would we all be today without the women in our lives? We all must do our part so that when ovarian cancer strikes the ones we love, they will have a better chance of life.”
–Leslie Diamond,
Trustee, Diamond Foundation,
Honorary Chair, Ovarian Cancer Research Campaign and donor.
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“I didn’t have any symptoms.”
At age 25, Sharilyn Dent was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
For Sharilyn, the thought of never being able to bear a child was as troubling as the diagnosis of serious cancer. “With ovarian cancer, one of the major issues is fertility. Luckily, my surgeon, Dr. Dianne Miller, was able to tailor my surgery to preserve my fertility. Three months after the surgery, I was pregnant, and nine months after that I had a beautiful baby girl.”
Five years later, the cancer came back. “It was so much harder mentally to deal with the second time,” says Sharilyn. “But I knew I had to stay strong, especially for my daughter.”
As one of the few survivors of ovarian cancer, who against all odds has gone on to have a child, Sharilyn’s message is clear. “I know that I am one of the lucky ones—for me, there is life after ovarian cancer. That’s what every woman who suffers from this disease deserves.”
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After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998, Bobbi underwent surgery and treatment. “She had it in her mind that she would beat it,” recalls her daughter Toby. “Even as we found out how fatal ovarian cancer was for most women, her positive attitude never wavered.”
“I realize that not many people get their lives handed back to them like this,” Bobbi wrote in 2003. “I don’t think I would be here today if not for the research treatments that helped slow the growth of the tumours. Getting funding for this research is urgent—it is saving lives.”
But the cancer came back shortly after she wrote these words. Bobbi’s husband, Richard, recalls the weeks and months of Bobbi’s courageous fight. “It’s tough on the family because you’re seeing someone else suffer. I’d rather do the suffering than watch someone else suffer.”
Bobbi Newson died on April 19, 2003, surrounded by her family. Sadly, Bobbi’s story is too common.
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Both Carol Henriquez and her mother are ovarian cancer survivors.
“Unusually we both had cancer very young, and even more unusually, we are going strong today. We are the exception. I am concerned about my family and friends, as we all should be. That is why I am involved.”
–Carol Henriquez,
Member and volunteer of the Ovarian Cancer Research Campaign and co-founder of Arts Umbrella
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other stories will be posted
