A wonderful Saturday Morning in Philly

Early yesterday morning I drove to Philadelphia to walk in the Sandy Sprint 5K for the Sandy Rollman Foundation- which raises funds and awareness of ovarian cancer. I met up with my friends, the Lopez family to walk as Team JLO in memory of their wife and mother and my friend, Janice Lopez.

The day started out cool ( 50 degrees) but the sky was the perfect shade of blue. The walk took place in Fairmount Park ( a must see spot in Philly) . The walk started in front of the Touch Me Museum. Across the street from the museum was the registration area, a kids zone and exhibits by different organizations such as Fox Chase, The Phillies & Force.

My favorite stop was the survivor tent. They handed us special gifts, offered us yoga and massage and even a table where you could make a beaded bracelet. I got a chance to meet other survivors - some young , some more mature but all wearing our teal t-shirts and happy to be there to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research . We spoke to each about how long since we were diagnosed , about our husbands and their support , the love of our children and where we were treated. I was amazed at how many women showed up on the steps of the museum to have a group photo. Some women were diagnosed 10+ years ago and some wearing scarves were diagnosed just months ago and were still in chemo.

I understand that close to $150,000 was raised yesterday to help "Women of Teal". Thank you Sandy Rollman Foundation , Robin Cohen and Adriana Way founders and the hundreds of volunteers for such a wonderful event.


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !

Twenty - Ten .....Beginning this Blog's Third Year

It is hard to believe that this post marks the beginning of 2010 and the beginning of the third year of writing this "Women of Teal" blog. Through my posts I have connected with wonderful people from all over the world who are ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers or health care providers.

During the past few years the awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms has increased and more women are sharing their stories and supporting one another. I am positive that activities to raise funds for research and awareness by groups such as the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, The Sandy Rollman Foundation, northern NJ NOCC , Ovarian Cancer 411, & Meghan's Message have saved lives of women in NJ. We have more work to do on an early detection test but we have made progress.

As I wrote on my facebook page:
Good bye 2009- Thanks again to my friends and family for all your support from January to April while I was in chemo. Thanks too for being part of the travels of Nick and Dee from May to December. From the Flint Hills of Kansas to Denali National Park, from the Shrine of St Jude to the Candlelight Processional, the memories we made were wonderful. Every Day is a Blessing! Here's to an even better 2010! ( July of 2010 will mark the 5th anniversary of my initial diagnosis and I can't wait to celebrate!)


LiveSTRONG
Dee

Team JLO Event

It was wonderful getting together with friend and fellow survivor Janice and her wonderful family last night for the 3rd annual Teal Night at the Olive Branch to support Team JLO. Team JLO will be participating in this year's Sandy Rollman Foundation's Sandy's Sprint. Sandy Rollman Foundation raises awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Support Team JLO here. A special thanks to Doug Schneider and the staff at the Olive Branch for their support of Team JLO and raising awareness of OC in central NJ.

Sandy's Sprint Race Details:
Saturday, April 25, 2009, 8:30 AM
Carousel House in Fairmount Park (Belmont Avenue & Avenue of the Republic) in Philadelphia

Since I will be having chemo next week I won't be able to make this year's walk but Janice and I agree that come next April the two of us will be walking through Fairmount Park. ;o)

Livestrong
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!