Survivor Stories
For these Colorado women, ovarian cancer proved a life-shattering diagnosis.
The disease, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is difficult to diagnose and has an incredibly high mortality rate. Estimates from the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance place the death rate from ovarian cancer at two to three times the rate of breast cancer. 81% of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer have it discovered at an advanced stage and less than a third of those women will live longer than five years after their diagnosis.
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I always try to help women not to be so scared. My best medicine is laughter, so I spread that as much as I can. I’m very open about my journey, because every journey is different, but my story may help a woman get checked and be smart about their bodies and symptoms. I want other women to know that it is scary and an emotional roller coaster, but that they are not alone in this. We are all a support system for each other, and totally understand the feelings and emotions that we all feel. Please listen to your body. Sue's Gift helped me when I needed it most. I'm not sure what I would have done without them.
Valerie
- Sue’s Gift financial assistance recipient
Bonnie's story about stage 2B ovarian cancer
At age 51, Beate's Mayer cancer diagnosis and subsequent battle tore her life built around family and work to shreds. After her initial diagnosis and treatments began, her ten plus year career with medical manufacturer Synthes in Monument came crashing to an end when her chemotherapy led to permanent neurological damage, mobility issues, and difficulty doing even the most everyday of tasks. Unable to work or care for herself, Beate’s ovarian cancer forced her to move into an assisted living facility.
Beate’s cancer, disability, and immobility meant hardship and struggle for her family who were trying desperately to care for her. After applying for financial assistance with Sue’s Gift and seeing their extraordinary needs, we immediately began taking steps to help. We procured both a motorized wheelchair and walker to help overcome mobility issues. We also arranged for a driving service to escort Beate and her family to and from her medical treatments. Furthermore, our volunteers even helped clean out Beate’s old apartment so that the family could focus on her health and recoup their security deposit. For Beate Mayer, Sue’s Gift meant mobility, medicine, and a helping hand when she and her family needed it the most.
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I am so happy and grateful beyond words. We were able to go through Sue's Gift, an organization in Colorado Springs, to find mom assistance. I could seriously cry of relief.
Christina
- Beate’s Daughter
You. Have. Ovarian. Cancer.
Hearing those four words sent life spiraling for 52 year old Colorado Springs resident Debbie Gordon in August of last year. The stage three level of the cancer meant immediate surgery. The painful aftermath and slow recovery left Debbie unable to work. As the medical bills piled up, Debbie’s ovarian cancer diagnosis snowballed from a life-and-death battle into a financial one as well. Those same four words brought 43 year old Aracely Avitia to Penrose Hospital for her surgery and chemo treatments. Her stage four diagnosis coupled with complications during her recovery led to difficulty breathing, and her limited insurance left her unable to obtain oxygen tanks needed to resume healing and what remained of a normal life back home. In the days after her surgery, Aracely’s struggle with health care providers seemed more overwhelming than her struggle to breathe.
Sue’s Gift grant program offers economic support specifically to Southern Colorado women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to help with medical bills, health insurance deductibles, prescriptions, and other medical expenses.
For Debbie Gordon, Sue’s Gift meant instant payment for her outstanding medical bills and the peace of mind that helped her healing continue.
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I want to thank Sue’s Gift for all that you do for us in such an uncertain time in our lives. You have helped me be a better and happier survivor, and to appreciate the new me. I am so Blessed ♥️
Debbie
- Sue’s Gift financial assistance recipient
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Be Ovary Aware was a game changer...when I was feeling backed up against a wall and the outlook was grim, BOA provided me a reprieve to regain my balance---find friends to walk the walk with, cash to ease financial stress and a network of other helps and activities to light the way! It was the light in my darkness and now it helps me be a light to others!
- Karen E.
Ovarian Cancer Survivor & Be Ovary Aware participant
Susan was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer at age 63. She shares resources and coping skills that helped her during her journey.
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I never thought that I would say this...cancer has made me stronger. It also has opened my eyes to the love of friends and family who have supported me through this. It's like I've been dreaming, and suddenly wake up to realize that I only have one shot at living this life to the fullest. It's like I got a transfusion of joy and hope, which physical pain can't ruin. Cancer has also brought me closer to the most important person in my life, my mother. After many years of searching for independence and self-reliance, I've decided to spend as much time as possible with the lady, who by example, taught me how to be strong and how to see the glass half full. Cancer has also opened my eyes to the kindness of wonderful organizations such as Sue’s Gift. I'm so thankful for all the work they do, and for making my and so many other journeys more peaceful. Your support makes a huge difference! Thank you!
Eloisa
– Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Cheri and Susan discuss Cheri's 7 year journey with Stage IV Fallopian Tube Cancer
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We wish to share Sue’s Gift with any woman in Colorado who needs it. Every dollar we raise for goes to help someone’s mother or daughter in the struggle against this horrible disease. Every dollar we raise goes to relieve part of the financial burden that often times feels bigger than the cancer itself.”
Susan DiNapoli
- Executive Director of Sue's Gift