Monday, October 24, 2011

For Jo - Not Just Ovaries

Yesterday, Jo, passed away from cervical cancer. Jo was one of my long distance British friends.

I started reading Jo's blog , Life in Windermere ( http://lifeinwindermere.blogspot.com/) a few years ago. I was lucky to get to know Jo, her husband, son, soccer and The Royal Marsden Cancer Center even better through a group on Facebook. She was the cervical cancer survivor of the group and had been in remission for a few years until it recurred in 2010. (Thank you Sandhy for inviting Jo to be part of our little group.) I will miss how Jo, even in the midst of treatment or traveling to London, would always know just what to say to calm down one of her online teal sisters.

It doesn't matter if you live in the US or in the UK, countless women and their families are impacted by gynecologic cancers every day. And it is not just about ovarian cancer. Do you know the other gynecologic cancers?

Cervical Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Primary Peritoneal
Fallopian Tube Cancer
Uterine Cancer
Vaginal Cancer
Vulvar Cancer

The Women's Cancer Network website is a wealth of information about ovarian and these other gynecologic cancers. For 20 years the The Foundation for Women's Cancer ( Formerly the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation) has increased awareness, offered education and funded research of gynecologic cancers. They also provide women with the opportunity to learn more about ovarian and endometrial cancers through their Survivor's Courses. On November 6,2011 in Washington DC the Foundation will be hosting The National Race to End Women's Cancer an 8K and 1 mile run to raise awareness and funds for research. On November 5th the foundation also will host ovarian, uterine and HPV/ cervical courses.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing! Thank you Jo for being one of those blessings!

1 comment:

l'optimiste said...

she was, wasn't she? I'm so glad I knew her :)

I'm lucky to know you ALL.
x