The Importance of Sharing

A week ago I attended my first meeting/training for a program that is new to South Florida called "Woman-to-Woman". It is a program initiated and funded by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. The program pairs a survivor of Gynecological Cancers with a woman that is newly diagnosed or in treatment. The idea is to have a mentor that understands the unique challenges of traveling down this frightening and painful road. The program is new to the Sylvester Cancer Center here at the University of Miami. Going through chemotherapy the first half of this year, I requested support and learned about this program. I was matched with the very first mentor here in South Florida, and although we did not speak often, the conversation was incredibly helpful. Finally, I was talking with someone who understood exactly what I was saying. The importance of speaking with someone who has had a similar diagnosis and treatment, is probably the most overlooked part of cancer treatment as I have experienced it. I wish I had had more of this and from the very start. Maybe I could have avoided some pitfalls and at the very least, I would have known that I am not the only one...

Now, I have volunteered to be a mentor for other women going through this experience. I am very excited.

I learned a few interesting things at this first training. For one, it was the first time that I actually spoke in person with other women that had survived gynecological cancers and it felt so amazing! Next, I learned that we are a bit alone out there, as Breast Cancer gets all the attention, millions of dollars, support and survivor programs. For some reason, we in gynecological cancer world, have not managed to drum up the same support and funding. It would be great to contribute to the change that is necessary in this field. For now though, I am excited to start sharing and being there for a woman who is going through treatment.

#WomantoWoman #OvarianCancerResearchAlliance #Sharing #SupportGroups #MentorPrograms