Teal Diva 5K!

When asked about my "why", my most immediate answer is simply, Mom. Two years ago my mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on the day after Mother's Day. Our family was in shock at the news to say the least, but we quickly rallied around the woman we loved so dear. A mother to seven, grandmother to seven- now eight, with countless "adopted" children she had loved just as dearly, she was surrounded by a cheer team. We experienced highs and lows through the journey that ultimately came to a close, ironically enough on the day after Mother's Day this year. Our family has been shaken, but not broken. Mom's greatest treasure in life was her family. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have loved and been loved so deeply by such an amazing woman. She was a fighter. I look back at all she endured from chemo treatments, surgery, a long journey to Mexico for alternative therapies when we faced a grim reality that staying home meant "going home" sooner. We were blessed with months of returning vitality and strength through the trip. For our family that meant returning to enjoy the wedding of a grandchild, celebrating Thanksgiving with truly grateful spirits. Another girls' day of Black Friday shopping with the newest member of the crew as my daughter joined us for her first-and last- trip with Grammy. Christmas, complete with all the trimmings and a 48th wedding anniversary are now cherished memories. Every step of our journey was blessed as we discovered God's grace in so many ways. I found the pleasure of seeking joys in the smallest of moments with Mom. I miss her dearly! Along our families' journey with Mom we discovered that she had a BRCA gene mutation. I too share that gene. The reality is that I am at a greater risk of developing breast or ovarian cancers. More concerning, is that I may have shared this gene with my children. Among the promises I shared with my Mom, were that I would do what I can to help make sure that my family is taken care of. Research is lagging behind for Ovarian and other GYN Cancers. Can I be a change agent in that statistic? I hope so! My prayer is that I can help share the awareness with others in hopes that other Moms, "Grammys", sisters, wives, and friends have a greater opportunity for survival. Teal Diva fit the bill for me- awareness, research, and celebration of LIFE! I am humbled to have an opportunity to help in some small way. You will see me wearing my shirt with pride! Let's turn the town TEAL for Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

Audrey