Her Story

Diagnosis and when: Ovarian Cancer 1986 
Currently in remission 
My Tribe: Husband Brian, family, friends and pets 

What helped through treatment:  Brian, my family, friends, co-workers, Dr. Orr, GYN Oncologist, Dr. Schreiber, and Medical Oncologist.  At the time of treatment I was working at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as an RN and the support was incredible.  Trips to the beach and nature also helped. 

What brought me to CARE: I moved to Melbourne Beach in 1997 and worked at PBCH in the ER and then at Holmes Regional in Case Management. After many years of working in the Emergency Department, I left the hospital and started working at HOPE.  HOPE was a clinic supported by Health First that provided healthcare to the uninsured in Brevard.  While working at HOPE I met Alice Spinelli, APRN who was interested in starting a support group for women with gynecologic cancers.  Alice Spinelli, Margie Fuchs, Terre Luce and myself started the support group.  Brevard did not have a gynecologic oncologist at this time.  The initial support group eventually evolved into C.A.R.E.  Brian and myself are founding members of C.A.R.E. and also serve on the board of directors. 

How did C.A.R.E. support me:  C.A.R.E. has provided me with the opportunity to meet incredible strong women and their families.  It has allowed me to provide support, education, advocacy and resources to those touched by gynecologic cancers. 

Advice:  Surround yourself with love and positive energy.  Keep moving forward.