My story began in 2019 when I went to the doctor with pain on my right side. My doctor rushed me to the ER, suspecting appendicitis. At the ER, a CT scan revealed a mass, but the only follow-up was a colonoscopy. In 2021, I contracted COVID-19. Near the end of my illness, I started vomiting what looked like coffee grounds. I returned to the ER, where another CT scan showed the mass had grown. This led to visits to a gastroenterologist, a surgeon, and finally an oncologist, who diagnosed me with ovarian cancer.

Even though I had already had my uterus removed, the cancer required the removal of everything else. I was diagnosed with stage 3C low-grade ovarian cancer. During surgery, the oncologist found cancer on my pelvis, abdominal area, and colon. Now, I am almost three years NED (No Evidence of Disease). However, I still struggle with low energy, diabetes, and other health issues. I haven’t fully come to terms with my cancer, but I am a survivor. To all my teal sisters struggling, don’t give up hope. I will pray for all of you.