Well, were did the time go? It is over a month since my last blog post. I'm OK and plugging along.
It appears that being home most of the time - trying to reduce my risk of COVID -19 has not meant less advocacy work. In fact, I think that I am busier than normal. I had to turn down two projects for November and December so I don't fall behind in projects I have already committed to.
I had a pretty good September which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I formed a team to walk for the Kaleidoscope Of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation and raise funds for ovarian cancer research, virtually of course. My daughter and niece, joined me as members of team Quarantine Fifteen. I chose that name because I celebrated 15 years as an ovarian cancer survivor this year and 2020 is the year of the COVID-19 quarantine. We raised over $500. I walked my 5K with two other survivors at a park in Allentown, NJ. How I wish we could have been on the boardwalk in Bradley Beach looking out at the ocean.Hoping next year will have us back at the Jersey Shore.
For the first time ever, I was able to attend the OCRA Ovarian Cancer Conference (Sept 29-Oct 2). It was virtual this year due to COVID-19 but I still had a great time and learned new information. I was so excited to spend some time with my survivor friends. A group of us - many who had been ACOR listserve users - all met one morning of the conference in the virtual lobby to catch up and present the Big Girl Panty award.
Here are three examples of the excellent presentations from the Conference.
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| Learning about rare ovarian cancer from Dr Gershenson |
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| Learning about PARP inhibitors from Dr . Matulonis |
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| Racial Disparities in Ovarian Cancer with Dr Khabele |
On October 16th I took part in the online celebration of the Cure Ovarian Cancer Heroes Award. I was so excited to celebrate with two advocates I have know for a number of years and a researcher I had met at the ASCO Annual Meeting.
Andrea is an amazing advocate and survivor helping women through the @SHAREing hot line. This OC survivor is thankful for all she does. Thank you @Herzbuk for mentioning the gyn oncs who mean so much to you. @cure_magazine OC Heros. #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/qOd31Z6hjA
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) October 16, 2020
Congrats Dr Deborah Zajchowski @ClearityFnd honoree at @cure_magazine 's OC Heroes Celebration.I remember the time she took to answer my questions during a poster session at an ASCO meeting a few years ago.Thx Dr Deb for helping women find their best treatment options #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/vPgjV5Qxng
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) October 16, 2020
“No matter when you engage with @RobinSCohen, you quickly discover she is 100% present in the moment with you,” – Susan Leighton of @ocrahope #OvarianCancerHeroes pic.twitter.com/w8uPHT0NjN
— CURE Magazine (@cure_magazine) October 16, 2020
Congratulations, Andrea, Robin and Dr Deb.
I rounded out October with two Scientific Review Board meetings, an ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Committee meeting, a Cancer Community Advocacy Board , a planning meeting for a great November 11th #gyncsm chat on PARP inhibitors and an invitation ( which I accepted) to be on the advisory board of an NCI trial on understanding and reducing racial disparities in ovarian cancer treatment and survival.
Over the past few months I have become pretty adept at taking part in discussions on WebX platforms as well as Zoom but I really would love to be able to give some in-person hugs.
Stay well and enjoy the color of the world around you.
Dee
Every Day is a blessing!
