As we lead up to MOCA’s
signature September event, HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer on Saturday, September 6, I wanted to share my story as the Team LoughRee Captain. I have formed Team LoughRee in
honor of a special colleague.
I remember Friday, October 25th, 2013 like it was
yesterday. My colleague, LoughRee and I were out running errands for a work
event. We were having so much fun spending time outside of the office until
LoughRee received a phone call that would change her life forever. What she
didn’t know was that she was about to begin the biggest battle of her life.
Within days she learned she had a Sertoli-Leydig tumor and was diagnosed with
a rare form of Stage I ovarian cancer. The type of cancer LoughRee has is only
diagnosed in .5% of woman.
From that moment in my car when LoughRee received that
terrible phone call, I decided I was going to do everything in my power to
support and comfort her. And I’ve worked to do that through her treatment. It
warms my heart to see her smile after giving her a new magazine to read at
chemo or goodies for her chemo bag.
LoughRee is an inspiring woman. She shows up to work every
day with a smile on her face even after an exhausting week of treatments and
managing the chemo side effects. LoughRee has a huge heart and always puts
everyone before herself. There are weeks where she brings treats for the office
to thank the staff for filling in for her. If you see LoughRee at the walk at
Teal Strides, ask her for one of her cupcake recipes!
LoughRee has an amazing support system both at home and
work. I am proud of her strength, determination and positive attitude during
the last 9 months. I am honored to call LoughRee DeWitte my friend and I am
thankful that she was brought into my life.
That’s why I’ve been inspired to form a team for the
upcoming HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer. Her friends, family and
colleagues are all teaming up to walk, run and show our support to all of those
affected with this disease.
We’re doing this for LoughRee and all women with ovarian
cancer. We need to break the silence and raise awareness for ovarian cancer. We
need to raise more money for research for an early detection test and better
treatments. Our hope is that with our support of Teal Strides, no woman will
have to battle this disease in the future.
Please register on Team LoughRee on this link:
http://2014TS.kintera.org/
http://2014TS.kintera.org/
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| LoughRee DeWitte & Stacey Schmitt |
