News12 Brooklyn features team Tell Every Amazing Lady® runner ahead of race 

TEAL_News12Brooklyn_2022

T.E.A.L.® thanks News12 Brooklyn for helping spread our message and raise awareness of ovarian cancer by interviewing a runner on team Tell Every Amazing Lady® ahead of the 2022 TCS New York CIty Marathon. 

Runner Spencer, whose late mother Louisa co-founded Tell Every Amazing Lady® after her ovarian cancer diagnosis, ran for the foundation’s team in the iconic race on November 6, 2022, and spoke to News12 Brooklyn about his experience. Watch here.

T.E.A.L.® partners with City Hall for annual September lighting

Tell Every Amazing Lady®, in partnership with Manhattan’s City Hall, lit the building the color teal on September 30th, 2022 to commemorate the end of a month-long campaign to raise awareness for September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 

Teal is the official color that symbolizes the cause — and also stands for Tell Every Amazing Lady®. 

Thank you, City Hall, for helping us raise awareness about this deadly disease for the seventh year in a row.

Kean University spreads awareness for T.E.A.L.®

On September 27th, 2022, former T.E.A.L.® Genetic Counseling interns gathered together and decorated the sidewalks of the Kean University campus in Union, New Jersey to spread awareness about ovarian cancer Tell Every Amazing Lady®.

T.E.A.L.® and Kendra Scott team up for shopping event

Kendra Scott and Tell Every Amazing Lady® partnered to host the T.E.A.L.® Give Back Shopping Event on September 24, 2022 in Savannah, GA. 

The in-person shopping event at jewelry store Kendra Scott was held after the 2022 Virtual Savannah T.E.A.L.® Walk, with participation from other shops on the W. Broughton Street block, including Midge, Rise Biscuit & Chicken, Nourish, Fine and Rare, Frankie and June, Edgewater, and Walgreens. 

The goal was to shop, sip, and support T.E.A.L.®, as purchases from participating vendors sent 20% of the proceeds to benefit the foundation.

T.E.A.L.® partners with Kith + Kin for Teal Talk Day

September 23 is Teal Talk Day –  a day to increase ovarian cancer awareness among women. On this day in 2022, Tell Every Amazing Lady® collaborated with Kith + Kin, a health management app, to craft a blog post highlighting some ovarian cancer statistics as well as the signs and symptoms of the disease.

You can read the blog post here

T.E.A.L.® Interviewed for EverdayHealth.com Ovarian Cancer Newsletter

Pamela Esposito-Amery, the CEO and Co-Founder of Tell Every Amazing Lady®, was interviewed by  Lambeth Hochwald of EverydayHealth.com on September 23, 2022 to highlight the foundation’s work. Pamela shared her sister Louisa’s story and how the two of them founded Tell Every Amazing Lady® to provide ovarian cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families and loved ones, with resources while also educating the public of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

You can read the article here.

TD Bank – Women In Leadership awareness presentation 

Our CEO, Pamela, was the guest speaker at TD Bank’s Metro NY Women In Leadership virtual meeting on September 21, 2022. With a long history of collaboration, TD Bank and T.E.A.L.® were thrilled to provide life-saving women’s health information to the TD staff members to share with their families and the community. 

The 2022 Virtual Savannah T.E.A.L.® Walk

The 2022 Virtual Savannah T.E.A.L.® Walk is happening virtually on Saturday, September 24!

SeptemberOctober Social

Can’t participate? Consider making a donation to keep our foundation and programs running. Please help us reach our Savannah event goal of $25,000 this year.

There’s another amazing way to support Tell Every Amazing Lady® this year — a Kendra Scott in-store shopping event that gives back to T.E.A.L.®!

After your virtual walk on September 24, maybe consider stopping by Kendra Scott from 11 am to 1 pm to shop, sip, and support T.E.A.L.®! Plus, the first 15 people to spend $100 in-store on September 24th will receive a swag bag! All are welcome.

Can’t make it to the store? Shop Kendra Scott online from 9/23 – 9/25 (these dates only) and give back. Use code: GIVEBACK-TEALOC when checking out and 20% of your purchase will benefit T.E.A.L.®.

T.E.A.L.® ties ribbons in Brooklyn for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

T.E.A.L.® and its amazing volunteers tied ovarian cancer awareness ribbons on trees on Myrtle Avenue, 5th Avenue, and North Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn in collaboration with Turn the Towns Teal® on September 15th, 2022. 

T.E.A.L.® thanks the Myrtle Avenue, 5th Avenue, and North Flatbush Avenue BIDs for their continued support of the foundation and helping us spread ovarian cancer awareness during the month of September.

 

T.E.A.L.® lights Parachute Jump lighting in Coney Island for sixth year in a row

Tell Every Amazing Lady® partnered with Luna Park in Coney Island to light the iconic Parachute Jump the color teal from September 12 to September 14, 2022 to mark National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 

The bulbs on the Brooklyn attraction also spelled out the word “teal,” the official color that symbolizes the cause — and also stands for Tell Every Amazing Lady®. 

Illuminating the structure, which can be seen from miles away, helps raise more awareness about the deadly disease. 

Thank you, Luna Park, for helping us shine a light on this important cause for the sixth year in a row.

 

T.E.A.L.® hosts hybrid T.E.A.L.® Celebration and Women’s Health Expo

Tell Every Amazing Lady® returned to Prospect Park on September 10, 2022 for the first time in two years with the T.E.A.L.® Celebration and Women’s Health Expo, a new take on the annual T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run program. 

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, this hybrid event consisted of the virtual T.E.A.L.® walk, a 2-mile walk that could be completed anywhere.. An additional aspect was the Women’s Health Expo, which provided an extensive, comprehensible demonstration on women’s health information, accessible both in-person and virtually. 

The goal of the event remained the same from previous years: celebrate the bravery and determination of ovarian cancer survivors and their family members, while raising awareness in the general public and raising money for medical research of this deadly disease.

The 9th Annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk returns in-person

The 9th Annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk returned to in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic August 27, 2022 at Litchfield Community Field, Connecticut. Hosted by Hope Assembly #46, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, the walk aimed to celebrate ovarian cancer survivors, raise awareness of this deadly disease, and raise funding for T.E.A.L.®. 

Register for the updated T.E.A.L.® Celebration and Women’s Health Expo

We’re back!
(But a little different than before)

After a two-year hiatus, we’re introducing the hybrid T.E.A.L.® Celebration and Women’s Health Expo, an updated take on our annual T.E.A.L.® Walk in recognition of our evolved mission:
Offering women’s health and wellness services, including public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, providing support to those impacted by the disease, and raising funds for research in order to find a screening test and a cure.

Our hybrid event is customizable! Activities include:

  • The Virtual T.E.A.L.® Walk, a 2-mile walk that can be done at your leisure from anywhere!
  • The in-person Women’s Health Expo at Prospect Park or access to virtual expo
  • The in-person, ticketed T.E.A.L.® Survivor Ceremony and Celebration at Prospect Park
  • Ticketed wellness activities at the Prospect Park celebration
  • And so much more!

Our event will look different, but the meaning behind it is still the same: celebrating the courage of ovarian cancer survivors and the strength of the families who have been touched by the disease, while spreading awareness to the public and raising money for research. Let’s elevate women’s health – together.

Please be aware, there is NO official, in-person T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run in Prospect Park this year. There is no start/finish line. 

Save the date to celebrate with Tell Every Amazing Lady®!

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TEAL_Expo_SavetheDate_2022

We are proud to announce that September 10, 2022 will be the date of the T.E.A.L.® Walk Celebration and Women’s Health Expo! The event will be hybrid and occur in person at Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Keep an eye out for more details and registration info! 

T.E.A.L.® turns City Hall teal in annual lighting for sixth year

T.E.A.L.® celebrated the end of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by lighting up Manhattan’s City Hall the color teal on September 30th, 2021! This was the sixth year in a row City Hall partnered with T.E.A.L.® to light the building and allow us to spread important awareness about ovarian cancer.

National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride team meets up in Staten Island

TEAL_STATENISLAND_2021

A National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride team, “Something About T”, met up on September 18th, 2021 in Staten Island to spread awareness about ovarian cancer and posed for pictures before participating in their event. The team also fundraised for T.E.A.L.® for their event and even surpassed their goal! Team “Something About T” has been a long time supporter of Tell Every Amazing Lady® and  have helped spread our important message over the years.

T.E.A.L.® welcomes National Walk/Run/Ride participants to T.E.A.L.® Community Center

On September 11th, 12th, and 18th, 2021, T.E.A.L.® was thrilled to invite T.E.A.L.® National Walk/Run/Ride participants to visit the T.E.A.L.® Community Center in Park Slope, Brooklyn for a custom start/finish line for the month-long virtual event. Staff members also distributed awareness materials and special in-person swag giveaways for attendees. 

T.E.A.L.® ties ribbons in Brooklyn in partnership with Turn the Towns Teal®

With the help of many fantastic volunteers, T.E.A.L.® was able to tie ovarian cancer awareness ribbons on trees on Myrtle Avenue, 5th Avenue, and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn in collaboration with Turn the Towns Teal® on September 8th, 2021. The Myrtle Avenue, 5th Avenue, and North Flatbush Avenue BIDs joined the foundation in spreading ovarian cancer awareness and promoting the National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride in the community. 

T.E.A.L.® participates in awareness double header at Coney Island baseball game, monument lighting

Staff and volunteers with Tell Every Amazing Lady®, an ovarian cancer nonprofit, raised awareness about the deadly disease at Maimonides Park in Coney Island during a Brooklyn Cyclones game on September 3rd, 2021. 

T.E.A.L.® staff were joined by volunteers personally affected by ovarian cancer, including Rafael Espinal, president of Freelancers Union and former NYC Council Member, who lost his mother to ovarian cancer, at a pre-game press conference and on the field before the kick off of the game. Espinal also threw out the first pitch. During the game, a PSA about ovarian cancer and the work T.E.A.L.® does played on screen for fans to see. 

At sunset, T.E.A.L.® members and volunteers stood in front of the famed Parachute Jump at Luna Park as it was lit teal, the official color symbolizing ovarian cancer. The Parachute Jump was also illuminated on August 28th, 2021, and September 4th, 2021.

T.E.A.L.® turns Brooklyn Borough Hall teal

Tell Every Amazing Lady® continued our kickoff of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month on September 3rd, 2021 by lighting Brooklyn Borough Hall in downtown Brooklyn teal. It was the foundation’s eighth annual lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall. 

WSAV showcases the National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride 2021

T.E.A.L.® thanks WSAV Savannah for highlighting the National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride on September 2nd, 2021. The national event combined T.E.A.L.®’s satellite events, including the annual Savannah T.E.A.L.® Walk, into one month-long endeavor that was fully virtual. WSAV also interviewed ovarian cancer survivor  Adrianne Reed, who touched on how difficult it was for her to get an accurate diagnosis for this deadly disease. The piece from WSAV can be read here. 

The National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride

The National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride
Hosted by Tell Every Amazing Lady®

Choose Your Own Experience – From Anywhere 

  • September 1st, 2021 through September 30th, 2021
  • All participants will receive customized bib, raffle entry, and virtual goodie bag
  • Every Registration comes with a discount for a T.E.A.L.® Event next year
  • Register by July 15th, 2021 for special early bird pricing discounts! 
  • This year only we are welcoming cyclists to our virtual event!

Show your support for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this September by joining us for our first virtual month-long national event.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created projections of increased late stage cancer numbers. We are all coming together to fight ovarian cancer including underserved communities by spreading awareness, raising funds for urgent and critical research, and celebrating the courage of ovarian cancer survivors and their families.

Still want to see your team in person?

Live in the NYC area? RSVP to meet at our T.E.A.L.® Community Center (down the street from Prospect Park) for a custom start or finish line and other fun giveaways, then go for a walk on your own. Or, choose your own location to take a team photo and share it with us!

Free Fundraising

Start a free fundraising page for the virtual National T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run/Ride! (You can do this without registering for the event). Our fundraising has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and any fundraising help is very appreciated.

Tell Every Amazing Lady® endorses new bill introduced to Congress

Tell Every Amazing Lady® endorsed a new bill from Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez seeking to increase awareness of ovarian cancer among health professionals and women.

The bill H.R. 8442, entitled the Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2020, was introduced on September 29th, during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It intends to address two of the deadliest reproductive cancers women face and prioritize underserved women in our national gynecological health public awareness campaign.

Note: The bill hasn’t yet passed, it was introduced to Congress

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8442/all-actions?r=1&overview=closed&s=1#tabs

Savannah South University T.E.A.L.® volunteer holds online fundraiser

Thanks to T.E.A.L.® volunteer Kelsey, who hosted an online raffle fundraiser for the foundation. Kelsey, a member of Kappa Psi-Delta Omega Fraternity and National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, a professional pharmacy fraternity at South University in Savannah, Georgia, raised $305 through the online event in September, 2020, donating 100% of the profit to T.E.A.L.®. 

T.E.A.L.® lights Brooklyn Borough Hall teal

T.E.A.L.® lit up Brooklyn Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn the color teal from September 7th through 13th, 2020, to continue its kickoff of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It was the foundation’s seventh year working with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who has supported T.E.A.L.® in every year of his administration.

Brooklyn Paper covers T.E.A.L.® ribbon tying

T.E.A.L.® thanks the Brooklyn Paper for helping raise awareness about ovarian cancer and National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by featuring coverage of T.E.A.L.®’s September Awareness Campaign on its website and in print on September 4th, 2020. The paper featured T.E.A.L.® staff and volunteers as they tied ribbons along North Flatbush, Fifth, and Myrtle Avenues in Brooklyn. The story also mentioned the lighting of Brooklyn Borough Hall from September 7th to 13th to further promote the foundation’s work. Read the story here.

NY1 covers T.E.A.L.® September Awareness Campaign

T.E.A.L.® wants to thank NY1 for helping raise awareness of ovarian cancer and National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by airing a feature on September 3rd, 2020 about the foundation’s annual ribbon tying awareness event in Brooklyn on North Flatbush Avenue, Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue, and Myrtle Avenue. If you’d like to see the NY1 video, you can find it here.

Tying teal ribbons on N. Flatbush, Fifth, and Myrtle Avenues

Tell Every Amazing Lady® continued its September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Campaign on September 2nd, 2020, by tying ribbons across Brooklyn. Foundation staff and volunteers were joined by members of the North Flatbush BID, Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, and Myrtle Avenue BID to tie teal-colored ribbons from national organization Turn the Towns Teal® along their respective avenues to raise awareness about the disease and remind community members of the virtual 12th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run.

T.E.A.L.® lights Coney Island Luna Park Parachute Jump

T.E.A.L.® lit the Coney Island Luna Park Parachute Jump the color teal from August 29th to September 2nd, 2020, to commemorate the start of September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The foundation’s 6th annual lighting in Coney Island, Brooklyn, helped make residents throughout New York City aware of ovarian cancer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, T.E.A.L.® was unable to also host its annual press conference at the lighting, or walk on the field at a Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park.

Brooklyn newspapers inform readers about T.E.A.L.® lighting Luna Park Parachute Jump teal

The Brooklyn Paper and the Home Reporter published stories about Tell Every Amazing Lady® lighting Luna Park’s Parachute Jump the color teal on August 31st.  The newspapers each sent photographers, who took photos of T.E.A.L.® staff and volunteers in Coney Island. The stories were published on the websites on September 5th and 6th, helping more Brooklyn residents learn about ovarian cancer and T.E.A.L.®’s work ahead of its 11th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run in Prospect Park. 

Read Brooklyn Paper’s story here.

Read Home Reporter’s story here.

 

 

Brooklyn Paper features T.E.A.L.® ribbon tying awareness campaign

The Brooklyn Paper featured Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s September Awareness campaign online on August 26th. The weekly newspaper sent a photographer to take photos of T.E.A.L.® staff and volunteers tying ribbons from Turn the Towns Teal® on Fifth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Park Slope on August 22nd. The story also mentioned T.E.A.L.® and Myrtle Avenue BID’s ribbon tying on trees along the Myrtle Avenue Plaza on August 23rd.

T.E.A.L.® thanks the Brooklyn Paper for helping raise awareness of ovarian cancer right before September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/advocates-spread-awareness-of-ovarian-cancer-in-park-slope-and-clinton-hill/

T.E.A.L.® posters appear in MTA subway stations and on buses

T.E.A.L.® posters advertising the 11th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run debuted in MTA subway stations and on the back of buses on July 15th. In addition to advertising the annual walk/run, the posters alert New Yorkers to the fact that there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.  The posters can be found throughout the five boroughs ahead of September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

T.E.A.L.® Raises Ovarian Cancer Awareness in Greenwich, Connecticut

During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September), T.E.A.L.® has been able to promote our mission in Litchfield and Greenwich, Connecticut. Across the Greenwich town, plus 109 homes and 27 businesses displayed teal lights to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and show solidarity with those affected by ovarian cancer. Plus, the local YWCA has partnered with T.E.A.L.® to promote women’s health, and hosted a program on “How to Prevent and Survive Ovarian Cancer”, with leading surgeons and oncologists from New York Presbyterian Hospital and Yale who spoke and answered questions. The Sound Beach Fire Department participated in spreading awareness by having the exterior of their building illuminated in teal colored lights and an ovarian cancer awareness flag raised.

T.E.A.L.®’s mission was featured in several local news outlets and at the Greenwich Town Hall. The Greenwich Republican Town Council also announced its support of Tell Every Amazing Lady® for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The Greenwich RTC is dedicated to educating the Greenwich community about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in order to decrease the number of ovarian cancer related deaths. In sponsoring T.E.A.L.®, the RTC hopes to put a spotlight on the disease and encourage women to listen to their bodies. Also taking place in Connecticut , on September 22nd, was our 5th Annual Litchfield, T.E.A.L.® Walk  organized by Hope Assembly #46, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.  Thank you to all Connecticut partners who helped T.E.A.L.® promote ovarian cancer awareness this September!

T.E.A.L.® Participates in Harvard Global Women’s Empowerment 3rd Annual Expo

Tell Every Amazing Lady® was featured at the Harvard Global Women’s Empowerment 3rd Annual Expo on September 29, 2018 in Boston. T.E.A.L.® spoke with Harvard students and alumni about ovarian cancer and in an awareness campaign to educate the Harvard community. Showcased among other exceptional Global Women’s programs, T.E.A.L.® advised women to listen to their bodies and provided educational materials. Thank you to the Harvard Global Women’s Empowerment team!

NYC City Hall Turns TEAL

On September 28th, City Hall was lit the color teal in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! This was the third year City Hall has been lit teal helping us raise even more awareness about ovarian cancer! We want to thank City Hall for joining our campaign and for the continued support.

 

Turn the Towns Teal® and T.E.A.L.® Conduct Brooklyn Awareness Campaign

Along with the national organization Turn the Towns Teal®, Tell Every Amazing Lady® promoted awareness about ovarian cancer in Brooklyn on August 20th, 2018, and September 14th, 2018. On these dates, T.E.A.L.® held a ribbon tying campaign in Brooklyn on 5th Avenue, North Flatbush Avenue, and Myrtle Avenue. T.E.A.L.® supporters, with the help of the local Business Improvement Districts and volunteers, tied teal ribbons around trees in honor of September being ovarian cancer awareness month. Thank you to Turn the Towns Teal® and to the many volunteers who helped us turn Brooklyn teal!

T.E.A.L.® Hosts QBE Webinar

Throughout the month of September T.E.A.L.® was invited to spread awareness about ovarian cancer to the staff at QBE North America.  QBE has been a generous supporter of T.E.A.L.® by creating an online campaign, forming a team and supporting our Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run and more! During a company wide webinar, sponsored by the QBE Foundation, we reached over 2,000 employees of QBE North America in locations around the country including New York, Atlanta and Chicago spreading awareness and answering questions.

Members of the QBE Foundation, CEO & Co-Founder Pamela Esposito-Amery and Jim Peveraro of the T.E.A.L.® Jane Peveraro Fund.

NY1 Features T.E.A.L.®’s 2019 September Awareness Campaign

On August 20, 2018, T.E.A.L® partnered with Turn the Towns Teal® and tied teal ribbons along 5th Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. T.E.A.L.® partnered with the North Flatbush Avenue BID and the Fifth Avenue BID to decorate the town with Teal. The ribbons stayed up throughout the month of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  This was an amazing event to raise awareness of ovarian cancer to thousands of New Yorkers. Visit telleveryamazinglady.org/news to keep up with all things T.E.A.L.® year round!

 

Share Your Story p6

“My name is Cindy Swift and I am a survivor. Our Labrador (now 13 months old) saved my life. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at age 41. On Mother’s Day, May 10, 2009 our Labrador puppy tripped me and I landed on my left kneecap. One week later I went to the emergency room with severe calf pain and was diagnosed with a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis – blood clot – the DVT was caused by the cancer) and also put on crutches for an ankle injury (result of the fall one week prior to the visit to the emergency room). While beginning treatment for the DVT and waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon for my ankle I developed a fever and a cough that wouldn’t go away (the cough had been progressively getting worse for about 3 months). Since the cough wouldn’t go away I requested further testing – my internist ordered a chest CT Scan (June 22nd). On June 22, 2009 the doctors found an 8-10 cm mass on my right ovary and I was told that “it does not look good and is most likely Ovarian Cancer.” My blood work a couple of days later showed my CA125 levels to be over 400. On my second visit to my oncologist I was admitted to the hospital because of running high fevers that just would not go away. On July 7, 2009 I had a complete hysterectomy and spent a total of 12 days in the hospital. I have since received 8 chemo treatments (last one on January 7, 2010) and hope to have a full recovery (first follow-up CT Scan is scheduled for late February 2010). I am very fortunate in being diagnosed in Stage IIa – my cancer was only on my right ovary and had not spread anywhere else. My symptoms were very vague and really only included abdominal bloating and some random cramping (not severe). As we look back we found that my symptoms also included the fever and cough – the fever and cough went away almost immediately after my surgery.

After my diagnosis my oncologist had me see a genetic counselor to further investigate why I have Ovarian Cancer. I tested negative for the BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 genes and am waiting for possible further testing for Lynch Syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)) – people with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of cancers of the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder ducts, upper urinary tract, brain, skin, and prostate. Women with this disorder also have a high risk of cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and ovaries. We have also discovered that there has been a family history of some of these particular cancers as well.

I know that God has been with me every step of the way and will continue to be there each and every day. ”

~Cindy
Memphis, TN

“Sitting in my home office writing this, I look around the room that was once Gail’s nursery… wonderful memories of bringing this precious little bundle home from the hospital … the white wicker bassinette sitting just behind where my chair is now. Fast forward with me the pre-school years of being a stay at home mom, dancing across the kitchen floor with Gail standing on my socked feet, piano lessons, tricycles, lemonade stands, bicycles, Brownie scouts, cheerleading, band practice, ball games, children – then teenagers hanging out at our house. Thirty years of holidays, vacations, laughter, a few tears. A special mother/daughter relationship – a bond like no other… unconditional love.

Gail graduated from Silver Bluff High School with honors in 1994 and was attending USC in Columbia when she was diagnosed with ovarian cysts. The cysts were surgically removed and everything seemed perfectly normal for years. Gail continued attending college, transferring to USC-Aiken before graduating in 1999 (she jokingly said she was on the five-year plan). Gail worked at Publix in Aiken during college and her Target career began with the opening of the new store in Aiken shortly after graduation. “Abi” as she was called by her Target team, later made career moves to Charleston, Summerville, then Florence, SC.

While some women may have changed doctors for convenience after they moved, Gail trusted her doctor in Augusta and continued seeing her for yearly examinations. In 2005, when Gail was 29 years old, she wasn’t feeling well and thought she had cysts again. At her next appointment she asked the doctor for a sonogram and was told that the pain she was having was from scar tissue from her earlier surgery and a sonogram wasn’t necessary. Gail and I discussed this at length before she drove back to Florence – with Gail finally telling me, “but mom, she’s the doctor”.

The pain and discomfort did not go away. Gail went to a chiropractor near Florence for back pain – and had spa massages, too. Her paternal grandmother had recently been moved to an assisted living facility near Aiken and Gail desperately wanted to be close by to visit – so in the summer of 2006, she transferred from Target in Florence to the Aiken Target even though it meant stepping down from an executive position. She was finally nearby – close to family and friends and working five days a week and in retail THAT is practically unheard of. Everything was wonderful… and we were looking forward to the holidays already. No more rushed traveling to spend holidays or days off together. Gail settled in to the new job, enjoyed being within minutes of nieces and nephews, church, friends and family. She joined Curves – and was named their ‘biggest loser’ of inches and pounds her first month. Gail at times seemed tired, but she attributed that to the new job – at least that’s what she told me. She went to a prompt care medical facility with back and body aches the week before her upcoming appointment. A friend and Target team member later told me that Gail was having extreme pain at work the weeks leading up to this next appointment. And I was unaware of the over the counter medications Gail was taking for upset stomach, etc.

In October 2006, four months after Gail moved back to Aiken, at what was scheduled as a routine annual physical, a “mass” was found. Within a week, Gail had major surgery – and the mass was soon diagnosed as small cell ovarian cancer, stage IIIc. Rounds of chemo quickly followed and I was thankful that, even though Gail kept her apartment in Aiken, she stayed with me during this time. Gail was able to focus solely on following doctor’s orders and family members made sure she had what she wanted or needed. Her faith remained strong and she knew she’d “be ok” regardless of the outcome. Gail asked me one day, “What if the chemo doesn’t work?” We discussed not being able to imagine what life would be like without the other one here… how difficult it would be… and that regardless of which of us went first, we’d save a place for the other one in Heaven. That may not have been the perfect answer – not that there is one – but I never expected the two of us to have a conversation like that. The bottom line was we knew that regardless of the outcome of this battle with cancer, we’d see each other again.

On February 14, 2007 — less than four months after her annual checkup — Gail, my only child, became one of the estimated 15,250 women who lost their battle with ovarian cancer in 2007. I had a choice – I could grieve myself to death or I could make something positive out of this horrible experience. I did what Gail would’ve done if the roles were reversed… I chose to make a difference in ovarian cancer awareness.

In April 2007 a Relay For Life team formed by family, friends and co-workers in Gail’s memory. Our team, Gail’s Anatomy, celebrates those fighting cancer and those that have won the battle; we remember those that have passed; and we fight back by sponsoring ovarian cancer awareness events year round. The team has raised more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society with all funds directed to ovarian cancer awareness. Ovarian cancer awareness events have been held at Washington Savannah River Company; Curves for Women; the Aiken Mall; URS Washington Division in Aiken; PowerCuts Salon & Spa; Target stores in Florence, Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville and Aiken, SC; the Town of Jackson, SC; USC-Aiken with the softball team (10/4/08 and 10/3/09) and the basketball teams (12/13/08 and 1/13/10); as well as Jackson Middle School, Midland Valley High School and Fox Creek High School. Other businesses have joined the awareness campaign, which include: Lamar Advertising (in Augusta, GA), Denise Jane Portrait Design, Innovative Solutions, Jim Hanna Sports, Necessary Arrangements, Up & Away on Laurens Street, Aiken Chamber of Commerce, and Newberry Hall in Aiken, South Carolina. URS Washington Division Headquarters in Boise, Idaho published an article in the Employee Communication newsletter during September (Ovarian Cancer Awareness month), which was distributed to their employees worldwide. Billboards focusing on ovarian cancer awareness are displayed during the month of September. This website was highlighted in the August 2009 CSRABereaved Parents newsletter to promote ovarian cancer awareness. Skirt! magazine featured ovarian cancer awareness in the 24/7 Q&A section of the September ’09 issue and Augusta Oncology Associates staff wear our “Fight Like A Girl” t-shirts each week in support of ovarian cancer awareness!

Gail did everything right. She had gynecologic exams every year since she was 18 years old. She even went to the same doctor. Gail had none of the risk factors; there was no known family history of ovarian or breast cancer, but this horrible disease introduced itself to our family. Gail discovered after her diagnosis that she had all the symptoms of ovarian cancer except one. We both thought that a yearly physical and pap test would detect any potential female problems. We can’t change the past but we can certainly make a difference now by taking steps to educate others. Don’t let this happen to you. Pay attention to your body – you know yourself better than any one or any doctor. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, follow the recommendation of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and see your physician. Insist on a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal sonogram. Early detection makes a difference… early detection saves lives. Together we can make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer. Let’s begin with you.

Thank you for reading Gail’s story.

~Gail’s mom, Debbie
South Carolina

Dear Teal Walk folks and especially Louisa,

I want to compliment you on the extremely well run walk on Sat. I live in the Catskills but made a point to come down to Brooklyn for the walk. (I was diagnosed about 5 1/2 years. And while my journey goes up and down, I am still hanging in there.) I am so touched, impressed and moved by Louisa and all who made this event happen. It was a privilege to do my little part of putting one foot in front of the other.

All the best to all of you and a debt of gratitude,

~Ellen
Youngsville, NY

My story is to let all women know of the importance of getting your yearly exam at the gynecologist and following up on abnormal tests.

Back in January of 2002 I went for my normal papsmear and week later I received a phone call that I had abnormal cells and it looked like dysplasia. This was the first time I ever had a bad pap smear so of course I went into hysteria and called all of my female support and everyone told me dont worry everyone gets a bad pap smear. So I went to the doctor for the follow up visit and they did a coposcopy and found a spot and sampled it. A week later it came back as nothing. I was told to follow up in 6 months. Around 6 months later I went in for a routine visit for a yeast infection not worried about the last scare since it was “nothing” anyway and a week later they called and said that I had a bad pap smear but this time it was something different. This time I went in to have a scraping and again was reassured that it was nothing and that I never had a bad pap smear but they just wanted to make sure. Well a week later just before Thanksgiving I was told that I have “Carcinoma Insitu” and that it was non invasive yet but it was aggressively moving up my uterus. Since this was all done with my Gynecologist I decided to get a second opinion with an Oncologist and opted for a partial hysterectomy because there was no guarantee that it would not spread if they did a coning.

I was very lucky that I only needed to receive a partial and I kept my ovaries but and it is a big BUT if I didn’t go to the doctor and follow up when I did months would have changed my life. My message to all women is that “GO for your YEARLY exam and don’t skip plus follow up and research your diagnosis even if they say its nothing!!! I am hoping to be there for the walk on September 12th with some of my friends and if I cant be there I will help in other way.

~Nanci

I was diagnosed in May of 2006 with Ovarian Cancer. This was a very big surprise to me because no one in my family ever had cancer. I was the only one, so we were all taken aback. It started out with a pain on my left side. In May of 2005 I had told my GYN Doctor that I had stopped getting my period. She said it could be from me being pre-menopausal. She made me go through a series of test’s…CA125, thyroid, menopause and they came back negative. So she said don’t worry, I will continue to monitor you every 6 months. In three months I called her again to say I still had not gotten my period. She told me to come in again and she did the CA125 again and still negative. Now in 6 months she mentioned to me that I should wait a couple of months because it could be my nerves from stress at work. So, now I waited until it was 9 months and I called again. This time I went back to her office and she still could not find anything. A year to the day I could not take the pain I had on my left side and went to a health clinic that sent me to the emergency room. At that point in time was when they found that I had ovarian cancer and a tumor on my aorta. They did not know what to do. I was in the hospital for a week and all that they were doing for me was giving me pain killers because they felt that they did not have the proper expertise in that hospital to help me.

The Dr’s there started asking me for my primary doctor’s name, my GYN doctor’s name and any other doctor that I had been in contact with. After my husband and I were able to provide them with these doctors was when they came up with Dr Chuang. Dr Chuang was recommended to me by my GYN doctor. The doctor in the hospital recommended that we go see Doctor Dr Chuang and that I be moved from Horton Hospital to Mt. Sinai. At Mt. Sinai, Dr Chuang explained to me what needed to be done. He was not able to perform surgery until he had a specialist that would be able to help with the tumor I had on my aorta. I waited a week for the two doctors to be able to perform both surgeries. Due to both doctors expertise the surgery was a success.

While I was in the hospital Valerie and Arden came to visit me and told me about Woman to Woman. When I came home and Pamela called me and introduced herself as one of the volunteers and that was a survivor. That’s when I started to get all of my questions answered. Pamela helped provide me with the comfort that I needed to realize that I can over come this.

Two weeks after I had surgery I started my chemo treatments. I decided to get my treatments on an out patient basis that was closer to home. My treatments were intense. I had to go for a week of chemo from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day for a week and then off for two weeks. I had to do 4 treatments so this really took a toll on me. These treatments were the worst thing that I ever had to go through. Every day I was poked with a new IV. By the end of my fourth treatments my arms were shot. On the last day of my chemo the nurse poked me four times before she realized that she just could not get into my veins any more. So she had to use a butterfly needle and get the chemo into me via my hand. This treatment took forever. Needless to say I was going to do whatever it took to make sure that I got this last treatment. Till this day my veins have not been the same. I have a hard time giving blood. Every time I give blood is like I am being but back in that chair when I was getting chemo again.

I have to thank my husband, son, sister, and family for all of their support. They were my rock to help me get through this. They all alternated to get me to my treatments and back home. I could not have gone on this journey without their help and support. I love them all dearly!

While I was going through my chemo treatment I was able to speak with Arden and expressed the need to want to help others as Valerie, Pamela and Arden did with me. It was comforting to have these three amazing women helping me through my process. I want to thank them for there support! Just like so may other people. The first thing I did was go on the internet. This provided me with a lot of information that was very disturbing. So having them guide me was a blessing.

In 2007 I join these women and now I am also a volunteer and I look forward to helping other woman that needs our support. I’ve met so many wonderful families and patients that have helped me as while as I have helped them. It’s any experience that I am happy to be part of and look forward too.

On September 26, 2008 I was diagnosed again with Ovarian Cancer. I had surgery again and was hospitalized for about 3 to 4 days. I did not have any chemo treatments but I did have to take a pill called Arimidex. It had side affects as well and after taking it for 6 months my Doctor has taken me off it.

I would like to say that my cancer came back in late 2011. My doctors decided to wait to see if they can stop it by giving me chemo. I had chemo from Jan. to April of 2012. I was giving another CT Scan in Jan. and they saw it was still growing and realized that it had to come out. So, in June of 2012 I had surgery. As of today I am all clear and have been told by my Dr. that I am in remission. I think this is a good thing to say. I am was very happy to hear those words.

~Nancy
Highland Mills, NY

 

Share Your Story p3

WHY I AM CAMPAIGNING

Because I know I will make a difference in the fight to end ovarian cancer. I know that fundraising by walking and holding bake sales for T.E.A.L. (“Tell Every Amazing Lady”) events I will help save lives from ovarian cancer.

I believe that one day ovarian cancer will never steal another year from any woman’s life. T.E.A.L. is not only an opportunity for my community to join the fight against ovarian cancer, but also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease. That’s why I’m walking to celebrate more birthdays.

WHO I AM CAMPAIGNING FOR

My reason for walking in the Tell Every Amazing Lady event is personal – On 8/23/2013, at the young age of 34, and 5 days before my 35th birthday, I was diagnosed with this life-changing disease called Ovarian Cancer. For those who know me know that I am very outgoing and very hard working. This illness took me by storm – taking away a greater portion of my life, but giving me the strength to survive!

On 10/29/13, treatment began with a radical hysterectomy. I was blessed in not having to go through chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Thanks to all of my family & friends who supported me throughout this journey, because today, I claim victory over ovarian cancer and I am getting my life back.

My team is walking because we’ve been affected by ovarian cancer in some way, and because the T.E.A.L. event gives us the power to make a difference and fight back. This is my opportunity to honor ovarian cancer survivors, remember the women we have lost, and help raise funds for groundbreaking research information and services for people fighting ovarian cancer, as well as help find a way for early detection. It was a coincidence I was diagnosed early but God forbid I had not, I may not have been fortunate enough to see the age of 36.

WHY I SUPPORT T.E.A.L.
Every day T.E.A.L. helps people take steps to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer or find it early when it is easiest to treat. Today, one out of every three women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer reaches out to T.E.A.L. for help and support. They provide free information and services when and where women need it throughout their journey to get well. I have signed up to walk and fund-raise with Tell Every Amazing Lady. I hope you will consider joining my team and/or making a donation in support of my efforts.

Together we can TELL EVERY AMAZING LADY and end ovarian cancer!

~Michelle
Burlington, NJ


My amazing mom Rae Arden Bassini Karlovsky was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian Cancer in May 2004. She was 53 years old. She had the classic symptoms for months and was misdiagnosed by her doctors. Had her symptoms been recognized earlier, she may have still been with us today. She fought an incredible battle for over 3 years. Surgeries, chemo and countless indignities just to stay alive. She lost her battle to on September 16, 2007 at 56 years old. I miss her every day and think about her every day. There is a gaping hole in my heart and in my life that will never be replaced.

I love you mom and miss you.

I am the team leader of Rae’s Leopard Divas. We are all walking to honor my mom’s memory this year, 2013.

~Rebecca
Dix Hills, NY

 


July 12, 2008 was the best day of my life. I married my high school sweetheart, the love of my life. They always say the first year of marriage is the hardest but boy did we prove that right. Just 3 months after my fairytale wedding I was at the supermarket doing my weekly grocery shopping. As I was walking home I thought, “I think I am going to buy a pregnancy test.” By no means did I think I was pregnant but I went to the pharmacy and purchased one anyway. I went home and took the test the whole time thinking it can’t be positive. To my complete shock the test was positive! I was pregnant!!! I couldn’t wait to tell my husband.

After a few days I went to see my OB where another test did confirm I was pregnant. I was so excited but my OB wanted a blood test to make sure. When we got the blood test results something wasn’t right. My numbers weren’t high so we just assumed I was going to have a miscarriage. A few days later at another visit I mentioned to my doctor that I had a slight pain on my side. This was a pain that I would never have mentioned but for some reason I felt the need to. At that point he immediately sent me for a sonogram. Well I must say the sonogram was the worst experience of my life. The technician basically made me think I was on the verge of dying and kept scaring me the entire visit. I waited in the office for my OB to call me back where he then told me to go tomorrow for a CAT scan. After my CAT Scan this technician came up to me and kept asking me questions on if I felt any pain or not. From the look on his face and the questions I knew something was wrong! I was told to meet my OB in the office on Monday to discuss my results.

I honestly can’t tell you how that appointment went because it is all a blur. All I remember was the words “Ovarian Cancer.” I think I was in such shock that I ended up going back to work because I couldn’t believe they thought I had cancer. I was 25 years old, young people don’t get cancer. After making several appointments with surgeons all they wanted to do was give me a full hysterectomy because they said it was the best way. I was not going to accept the fact that I will never be able to carry children. How could I become infertile as a 25 year old newlywed?? There has to be another answer. I already had accepted the fact that my ovaries were gone and there was no saving them. I just hoped my uterus would be saved. I immediately knew I had to make an appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. I remember sitting in the waiting room shocked, nervous and very scared. How could I be sitting in the waiting room at Memorial Sloan Kettering as a patient, I was too young! My surgeon at Sloan didn’t just look at me as an Ovarian Cancer patient but rather a young girl with a full life ahead of her. I knew I could trust him to operate on me.

On December 4, 2008 it was finally my surgery day. I remember the surgeon speaking to me before the surgery and told me he would do everything you can to save my uterus. Going into the operating room was one of the scariest moments in my life. The anesthesiologist did everything he could to talk to me and almost make me forget where I was. The first thing I remember post-surgery was the doctor whispering to me that he saved my uterus. At that point I didn’t feel any pain but just pure joy! He took the time to make sure I would have the ability to carry a child.

Now fast forward 4 ½ years…On March 11, 2013 I welcomed my beautiful twins Alexa Maria and Nicola Giuseppe. I had a pregnancy with very minor complications and carried them to 38 weeks. I probably would have gone longer but we scheduled a C-section to be on the safe side. When I saw them for the very first time I knew these were my miracle children. When I got diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer I really kissed my chance at motherhood goodbye, but now here I am looking at my children.

The reason I am sharing my story is to help all those young Ovarian Cancer and other cancer patients. I know not all are as lucky as me to be able to carry a child but anything is possible. I want to be able to help people overcome the struggle cancer brings you. I never would have thought I would be strong and overcome my cancer, but I was. Even 5 years later cancer is on my mind every single day. Cancer brought me into debt, emotional and physical discomfort. I just hope by sharing my story I can brighten up the day of a fellow survivor or a warrior fighting this horrible disease!

~Rosanna
Brooklyn, NY

my best friend, hero, mother was all ready to walk the walk of a survivor, but exactly three years to the date of her last treatment she begins a new treatment because of reoccurrence. She still plans on walking saturday as a survivor, and i will be walking proudly next to her.

~Michelle
Brooklyn, NY  


Hi my name is Maria, April 2012 I lost my mom she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer October 2009, she went thru chemo and treatments but she lost her battle, she was a fighter and brave never complain about pain or anything else but I new how much she was suffering, I miss her so much and I wish that soon a cure will be find for this terrible illness.

~Maria,New York, NY

 

T.E.A.L.® Lights City Hall Teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

On September 27th, 2017, T.E.A.L.® lit New York City’s city hall the color teal, in honor of the end of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, we continue to spread awareness about this disease and unite the city and all who have been impacted by Ovarian Cancer. For more information about our annual September Awareness Campaign, visit www.tealwalk.org/septemberawareness

Ellen Karis Comedy Corner interviews T.E.A.L.® CEO Pamela Esposito-Amery

Pamela Esposito-Amery, CEO and Co-Founder of T.E.A.L.® was a guest on the Ellen Karis’s Comedy Corner on September 27th. Ellen and Pamela discussed the T.E.A.L.® Walk, T.E.A.L.® as a Foundation, how Ellen got involved 9 years ago as MC for the Survivor Ceremony, and famous cases of Ovarian Cancer in celebrities, and how that has played a role in raising awareness about the disease. To listen to the full interview, you can visit BBOX.com, and to learn more about our programs, you can visit here.

Above: Ellen Karis at the 9th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run on September 9th, 2017

FemGyn Fighting Ovarian Cancer

Femgyn, gynecological urgent care based in Brooklyn, is busy supporting National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in many ways. They’ve tied  teal ribbon on their tree and dedicated a window to campaign for Ovarian Cancer funds through “Tell Every Amazing Lady” and are hosting an event on September 23rd. Femgyn supports T.E.A.L.® in every way by spreading awareness to the community around them as well as encouraging donations towards this important cause.

T.E.A.L.® Lights the Luna Park Parachute Jump Teal

On Friday, September 1st, for the 3rd year in a row, T.E.A.L.® lit the Parachute Jump in Luna Park Teal to mark the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Council Member Mark Treyger made a short speech, having joined community members, staff, and volunteers in the fight against ovarian cancer. As CEO Pamela Esposito-Amery explained to Brooklyn Reporter, “by lighting a monument, it might get women to a doctor earlier and save lives.” The parachute jump was lit for 4 days, prompting residents throughout New York to learn more about what Teal stands for, and learn more about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. News 12 was also in attendance, reporting live and speaking to survivors about the importance of awareness regarding the disease. For the full video, you can visit: http://brooklyn.news12.com/clip/13669281/brooklyn-organization-kicks-off-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

T.E.A.L.® & Luna Park Light the Parachute Jump Teal!

Join us for the 3rd annual T.E.A.L.®  Lighting of Luna Park’s Parachute Jump September 1st, 2017 to kick off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! T.E.A.L.® will be holding a press conference at 6:30pm followed by a lighting ceremony, plus T.E.A.L.® volunteers, supporters, survivors, and families touched by Ovarian Cancer will be attending dressed in teal. The Parachute Jump will be lit the color teal until September 3rd, so come out and see our name in lights for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!

 

Peck’s Homemade on Myrtle Avenue Supports T.E.A.L.®

Peck’s Homemade joined forces with T.E.A.L.® this past September to spread awareness about Ovarian Cancer during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the T.E.A.L.® September Awareness Campaign. Located at 455A Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY, Peck’s Homemade additionally showed support by pledging a portion of proceeds raised from an amazing special of Teal & White Cookies, a clever twist on the classic Blank & White Cookies in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, made exclusively during the month of September. Their collaborative effort helped spread awareness within their community as well as raised $800 to further research and awareness programs. A Special Thank You to Peck’s Homemade for their AMAZING support!