Meet Levana! Captain of team Elle’s Pretty Hall which raised over $10,000 for the 15th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run™ Celebration!
Hi! I’m Levana. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer in 2020 at age 33. The symptoms were subtle- headaches, fatigue, bloating. I was diagnosed through a CA 125 blood test during my annual gynecologic appt. I was able to get this blood test because I have the BRCA1 gene- I learned I had this gene after my mom passed away from Ovarian Cancer and I did genetic testing. Despite my best efforts at surveillance there is NO test for Ovarian Cancer. By the time I learned I had it, it had already spread to lymph nodes in my neck.
I am beyond lucky to be getting the best possible care at Memorial Sloan Kettering. I am grateful for outstanding doctors, supportive friends, family, and co-workers. Not all days are great- I am on a weekly chemo and the port in my chest is a constant reminder of how my life has changed. I’ve lost track of how many ER visits and hospital rooms I’ve had.
Long time supporter of Tell Every Amazing Lady, Steve Buscemi, came to the T.E.A.L.® Community Center to help record a public service announcement inviting all those local to Brooklyn NY, to the 15th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run® on September 9th in Prospect Park! Check out the public service announcement on our youtube channel!
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon is hosted by NYRR (New York Road Runners) . We’re thrilled to have another inspiring team of runners in this amazing event again. Visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2023 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising page here:
Can’t participate? Consider making a donation to keep our foundation and programs running. Please help us reach our Savannah event goal of $25,000 this year.
There’s another amazing way to support Tell Every Amazing Lady® this year — a Kendra Scott in-store shopping event that gives back to T.E.A.L.®!
After your virtual walk on September 24, maybe consider stopping by Kendra Scott from 11 am to 1 pm to shop, sip, and support T.E.A.L.®! Plus, the first 15 people to spend $100 in-store on September 24th will receive a swag bag! All are welcome.
Can’t make it to the store? Shop Kendra Scott online from 9/23 – 9/25 (these dates only) and give back. Use code: GIVEBACK-TEALOC when checking out and 20% of your purchase will benefit T.E.A.L.®.
Lisa Brun Cosgrove was first and foremost a servant. She grew up as a member of the International Order of The Rainbow for Girls, a Masonically affiliated service based organization for girls between the ages of 11-21. She held multiple different leadership positions within the order. She was involved in Girl Scouts for several years. She was very musically talented, as she both sang and played the piano as well as most reed instruments. With her singing she performed in the church choir, as well as multiple different groups within school. While she was in college she met the love of her life, Jim. While Jim didn’t share her vocal abilities, they both enjoyed different types of music together. Shortly after graduation, the two of them were married, and remained that way for 31 years. Lisa and Jim took some time to settle into their careers as they began their family. They had three children together, who would grow up as servants as well. Jim settled into a career as a professional firefighter, Lisa finally became a fourth grade teacher. Justin, the oldest child, would grow up to join the US Navy as an aircraft director after graduating from Norwich University as a Civil Engineer, and marry a lovely young lady named Sarah Beth. Kelsey would grow up to marry a young man by the name of Stephen who would become a US Marine, after graduating from Delaware Valley College with degrees in large animal science and dairy science. They would go on to start their family with a boy and a girl. Marissa would grow up to be married to an US Airman, after graduating from Mitchell College with a degree in human development and family studies.
Through all of this time and all of these changes, the one thing that was always a constant was Lisa’s will and desire to serve all those around her. She was the Mother Advisor for the local assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, which both Kelsey and Marissa became majority members of. She was the Scout leader of the local Girl Scout troop, which both girls were also involved in. She helped out at every Boy Scouting event that Jim as the Scoutmaster, and Justin as an Eagle Scout, were involved in. She helped out at all the local agriculture fairs where the girls, who were the County leaders of the local 4H club, competed. She served as Wife, Mother, Mimi, Daughter, Sister, Teacher, and leader.
Lisa was diagnosed in June 2014 with stage IV ovarian cancer. She was never very uncomfortable at all, she just felt a little bloated, until one day when Jim came home from work, and she turned sideways and said, “look at this, I look as if I’m eight months pregnant.” Jim took her to the hospital where she ended up being diagnosed. When the oncologist told her that she needed surgery immediately, Lisa’s reaction was, “well, it can’t be for at least a week, I have 100 people coming for Marissa’s High School graduation party!” The oncologist immediately understood Lisa’s priorities in life, and after two paracentisis over the next week she made it into surgery, where she underwent a complete hysterectomy, and debulking. Lisa was out of school until January 2015 when the students returned from Christmas break. That was the only long term period she was out for the next five years. She was in and out of chemo multiple times where she and Jim became friends with everyone, as Lisa determined this would be classified as “date day.” The nurses actually used to move them around so they would be near someone having a bad day. Before the end of the treatment session they would all be laughing. One day a lady said to Lisa, “how can you be so happy?” Her answer—”Hope and Faith!”
Soon thereafter, Lisa had genetic testing and found out that she had a mutation in BRCA2, one of the two BRCA genes known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Still, had Lisa known earlier in her life that she carried a BRCA2 mutation, she may well have opted to undergo one of the procedures that could have been risk reducing. And she would have wanted to tell every amazing lady® with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to get genetically tested. Since there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, it’s important to understand a person’s risk and possibly family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer, which can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Lisa considered herself to be lucky to hear of this organization called T.E.A.L.®, and proceeded to Tell Every Amazing Lady® about ovarian cancer any way she could. Her Rainbow assembly chose to institute the first annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk in September of 2014, where we raised about $1,500. Lisa was so pleased to be able to walk the whole thing. She not only participated in the ensuing five Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walks, but actually took the reins and ran the fifth walk in 2018 herself as the Mother Advisor of the Rainbow Assembly. Jim remembers her telling him how pleased she was to be healthy enough to run the fifth walk. In July of 2019, Lisa received the news that there were no further treatment options available. In true Lisa style, she handed the reins of the T.E.A.L.® Walk over to Marissa, and told her it was her turn to serve this worthy cause. Lisa was able to walk in the sixth Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk in September, with a couple of breaks, but she did walk. Between the 2018 and 2019 Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walks, over $20,000 was donated to T.E.A.L.®! Lisa’s decline was rather rapid, as the cancer attacked her digestive system. She went into hospice in the hospital for eight days, where she passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 53, on October 27, 2019.
In 2020, Marissa joined together with Hope Assembly once again; to host the seventh annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk. Their goal is to get the whole town involved in Litchfield, CT. Lisa’s dream was to bring more knowledge to Litchfield and everywhere she went about ovarian cancer. She wanted to have the businesses in the center of town support this by putting up different teal objects in the storefront windows, as well as posters. Marissa has been speaking with the First Selectman to figure out how to make Lisa’s dream come true. When Lisa was physically present for the walks, Marissa, the team captain, made the team name “Teal We Find a Cure,” because Marissa and her family will walk and keep hosting this walk up until and beyond when a cure is found. Hope Assembly’s goal is to make this walk the largest walk Litchfield, CT, has seen. For more information, contact Tell Every Amazing Lady® at contact@tealwalk.org or visit www.telleveryamazinglady.org/litchfield.
After a two-year hiatus, we’re introducing the hybrid T.E.A.L.® Celebration and Women’s Health Expo, an updated take on our annual T.E.A.L.® Walk in recognition of our evolved mission: Offering women’s health and wellness services, including public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, providing support to those impacted by the disease, and raising funds for research in order to find a screening test and a cure.
Our hybrid event is customizable! Activities include:
The Virtual T.E.A.L.® Walk, a 2-mile walk that can be done at your leisure from anywhere!
The in-person Women’s Health Expo at Prospect Park or access to virtual expo
The in-person, ticketed T.E.A.L.® Survivor Ceremony and Celebration at Prospect Park
Ticketed wellness activities at the Prospect Park celebration
And so much more!
Our event will look different, but the meaning behind it is still the same: celebrating the courage of ovarian cancer survivors and the strength of the families who have been touched by the disease, while spreading awareness to the public and raising money for research. Let’s elevate women’s health – together.
Please be aware, there is NO official, in-person T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run in Prospect Park this year. There is no start/finish line.
Team “Tell Every Amazing Lady®” is currently accepting applications.
Tell Every Amazing Lady® is honored to be a charity partner in the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Tell Every Amazing Lady® has spots for five runners to each raise $3,000 for Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®. Run with more than 33,000 participants on this iconic 26.2-mile course throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The November 6th event will begin on Staten Island, where runners will then make their way over the Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn, followed by Queens and the Bronx, and then finish in the world-renowned Central Park in Manhattan. Complete with spectacular skylines and an unparalleled view of NYC’s most popular landmarks, this is one race you definitely don’t want to miss.
Snag a coveted spot in this iconic race by running with us. Make your marathon experience more meaningful by making a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer. Apply today!
Official members of our team qualify for a number of perks, including:
Guaranteed entry as a Charity Runner to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon
Fundraising toolkit & support from T.E.A.L.® staff (in person and remotely)
T.E.A.L.® apparel for the race
Your story as a runner and T.E.A.L.® community member will be featured on our website
The opportunity to help us Tell Every Amazing Lady® about ovarian cancer
A team meet-up
A private team Facebook group for the team to ask questions, give tips, and provide updates on their training
Training plans available
If you already have a bib for the marathon, you can still apply to run with us by filling out the form here or by contacting us at contact@tealwalk.org. Those joining our team who have a bib will qualify for the same perks as our official team members, and will be asked to raise $1,500.
Team Member Requirements:
Minimum fundraising of $3,000 on T.E.A.L.®’s behalf is required if you are an official team member with one of our bibs, and is due by October 1st, 2022.
If you already have a bib, a minimum fundraising of $1,500 on T.E.A.L.®’s behalf is due by October 1st, 2022.
Team members should be prepared to have a fundraising plan to meet their goal by deadline. To ensure runners meet their October 1st goal, they will be required to meet these fundraising checkpoints:
Join Tell Every Amazing Lady® for a night of laughter for a good cause!
This show is Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Bulls Eye Sports Pub in Brooklyn at 7:00 pm.
Limited seating available for show. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting. Raffles, food and beverages will be available for purchase at this event.
Featuring special performances by:
Ellen Karis (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Karis Comedy Corner Podcast) Kendra Cunningham (Drybar Comedy Special, Last Comic Standing) Sharon Simon (Saturday Night Live, NYC Pride Parade Featured Host) Rich Carucci (MLB.com, featured in NY Post)
Advance tickets are available online for $25 while tickets at the door will be $30. Each ticket comes with 1 drink ticket voucher.
Proceeds benefit Tell Every Amazing Lady®. There is no accurate screening test for ovarian cancer.
Is there a better way to support charity? Click here to buy ticketsnow!
A group of women that I run with decided that we should all enter our names into the [United Airlines NYC Half] lottery, and 5 out of 7 got a spot, but my friend Eileen and I did not. She told me that we could fundraise and I said I would look into it and see if I found a charity that spoke to me, and that is how I found T.E.A.L.®.
Honestly, finishing the half marathon is my goal. A good time would be nice too!
What I love most about running is the feeling of accomplishment after you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I would love to be able to make genetic testing more accessible for all women, not just those with a family history of ovarian cancer.
If I could share a message to every amazing lady, I would say: Please don’t wait – if you are experiencing symptoms, please go to your doctor. My mother was so swollen and yet she waited rather than getting checked out right away thinking she was having stomach issues.
Support Kendra and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!
I started running with one goal in mind – to represent ovarian cancer. After not receiving a bib for the marathon on my own terms, I began looking at the charities listed. T.E.A.L.®’s logo was staring at me, and I knew it was a sign that, “Here’s my chance.”
Most people would say their goal for any marathon would be just to finish. Although that thought crossed my mind, my ultimate goal is to do this for my friend and her family. I want her legacy to continue to live on, and I want her story to reach as many young ladies as possible. My hope is that through this race I can do just that, and raise as much money as possible for T.E.A.L.®.
Let me start by introducing you to my friend, Brittany Kelly. Brittany was well known in the golf community here in Indiana and around the U.S. She set and achieved goals like no one I’ve ever known. Even to this day, as I read articles about her, it’s incredible to see how many people her story touched even though they never got a chance to physically meet her.
I guess what I love most about running is maybe what Brittany loved most about golf; It’s about the game and the people you meet along the way. Pushing yourself, individually speaking, to reach that next opportunity or goal. Setting out on the golf course, or in my case road, and leaving every ounce of who you are out there. Be a fierce, yet graceful, competitor just like B. Encourage those around me and beyond, to set out and just try it. Whatever it is you want to begin, to know that it’s a journey and not a sprint. I’m not running to be the best runner, I’m running to be the best form of me I can be.
Honestly, if I could change anything related to ovarian cancer, it would be to know before you know. Isn’t that everyone’s dream when it comes to a life-altering disease? To know the signs better and to watch for things more closely. Sadly, Britt’s story makes me sit back and take more control of my own body. Be mindful of every inch, and when things are even slightly off, to ask and seek advice. Nothing is ever minor when it comes to our health and discovering something as life-changing as cancer.
Whether you’re deep in the trenches of ovarian cancer or know someone who is battling, just know that there are many of us that stand with you. Brittany would have wanted you to know that she stands with you, she never backed down, so she wouldn’t want you to either. Be a gracious teacher, like B, share your story and you’ll be amazed at who it impacts.
A few of B.K.’s life lessons: Life is about how you treat people…”repeat”. Everyone has problems and struggles in life. It’s how you respond to them that makes all the difference in the world.
In closing, I just want to “thank you” for reading my story. I’m grateful I can do this for B and for all of you who are impacted by ovarian cancer. B didn’t just golf for herself, she golfed so she could teach and inspire. I’ll do my best to achieve that same goal with running.
Support Allison and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!
I became aware of T.E.A.L.® around 2016, when I underwent genetic counseling and found out that I carried the BRCA 1 gene mutation. I have a family history of both breast and ovarian cancers, so was keen to get involved with an organization that was focused on ovarian cancer research and awareness. I have done a number of the annual T.E.A.L.® 5k races in Brooklyn (pre-pandemic) and T.E.A.L.®’s mission is critical to bringing more awareness to these issues.
My goal for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is to finish! Kidding aside, this will be my third year participating in the NYC Half and I am thrilled to be representing Team Tell Every Amazing Lady® for 13.1 miles.
I love the mental focus running brings me by just putting one foot in front of the other; I also love the camaraderie it creates with other runners and the chance to be outside through all seasons of the year.
If I had the power to make a difference or change in one thing related to ovarian cancer, finding a cure would certainly be top of my list but short of that, it would be to find a reliable mechanism/test for early detection.
If I could share a message to every amazing lady about ovarian cancer, it would be: Together, we are stronger.
Support Kate and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!
My friend’s mother had ovarian cancer and became involved with T.E.A.L.®. Over the years I’ve known her, I’ve seen her fundraise for T.E.A.L.® and support their cause. Her drive and passion inspired me to say ‘Count me in!’ when she mentioned the half marathon.
I’ve always loved running and this is a welcome challenge I’ve never taken on before. Being a first timer, I’d like to complete the half marathon in 2 hours.
I’d like to fundraise between $1,000-$1,500 for T.E.A.L.®. Go team!
Running is my me time – I can just plug in my headphones and let my mind wander. Also, it’s a great way for me to get out all my extra energy!
If I could change one thing related to ovarian cancer, it would be awareness. It’s so common to hear about breast cancer and many types of other cancers, but ovarian cancer has such a small voice on the world stage – yet it affects so many women. Let’s raise our voices and say it loud and proud for all the amazing ladies out there!
My message for every amazing lady would be: “I admire your fight and your courage!”
At a time where Covid has so greatly impacted each of us in a variety of ways, created so much instability in so many realms of our lives – from financial, mental, emotional, physical – I think this is just a taste of the uncertainty that ladies with ovarian cancer feel and have felt. It’s given me perspective and clarity on what is really important to myself in my life – family, friends, my health. Thank you for all your inspiration!
Support Sofia and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!
I became involved with T.E.A.L® in 2017, within a year of my mother passing away with ovarian cancer. Inspired by the messages of hope and the support of the T.E.A.L® community, I realized right away that T.E.A.L® would be an opportunity for me to heal while also giving back to others in need. Over the past five years I have volunteered for the T.E.A.L® Walk/Run. I have supported the Turn the Towns Teal™ ribbon-tying in Brooklyn and I have raised money through my organization by bringing workshops and fundraising opportunities.
My goal for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is to enjoy the run with the crowds and run faster.
Running for me is comforting and challenging as well, bringing me a great sense of pride and joy at the end of each run.
If I had the power to change one thing related to ovarian cancer, it would be to improve early detection and find a cure.
My message for every amazing lady is, “You’re not in this battle alone. There is a community of T.E.A.L® around you. Mom, I love you and miss you and know that you will always be right by my side.”
T.E.A.L® has given hope and courage to so many people and loved ones dealing with ovarian cancer. My journey to heal as a daughter of T.E.A.L® will never be easy, but I know that I am surrounded by a community that understands me, recognizes my grief and encourages my prosperity. Thank you to everyone involved with T.E.A.L®.
Support Solange and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!
Since 2009, Tell Every Amazing Lady® has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, support women and families affected by the disease, and raise funds for critical medical studies. Our hard work and vital mission have garnered the support of actor, director and producer Steve Buscemi, who helped us spread the word about our campaign to reach $250,000,in a video campaign.
Former Volunteer of the Month and friend of Tell Every Amazing Lady® Anthony traveled by rail across the United States throughout August and September 2021. During his travels, Anthony spread awareness about T.E.A.L.® by sporting our branded baseball cap and polo shirt. At times, Anthony was able to speak about the foundation to those he met on the trip.
Starting in New York, Anthony and his nephew traveled south and to the west via train. The two of them stopped in many locations along the way, with particular focus on areas of historical and railfan significance. Notable highlights include Ft. Pulaski in Savannah, Georgia, the National Transportation Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, and Buffalo Bill Cody’s Ranch in North Platte, Nebraska. Though the trip was amazing, Anthony can’t wait to get back on the rails and is already plotting his next adventure!
We’re incredibly grateful to Anthony for his long-standing volunteerism and determination to spread awareness about ovarian cancer. The more people that learn the signs and symptoms of this deadly disease, the more lives that could be saved. If you’ve been inspired by Anthony’s story, visit the T.E.A.L.® Shop today and begin spreading awareness – your way. Tag us on social media with #TellEveryAmazingLady!
Lisa Brun Cosgrove was first and foremost a servant. She grew up as a member of the International Order of The Rainbow for Girls, a Masonically affiliated service based organization for girls between the ages of 11-21. She held multiple different leadership positions within the order. She was involved in Girl Scouts for several years. She was very musically talented, as she both sang and played the piano as well as most reed instruments. With her singing she performed in the church choir, as well as multiple different groups within school. While she was in college she met the love of her life, Jim. While Jim didn’t share her vocal abilities, they both enjoyed different types of music together. Shortly after graduation, the two of them were married, and remained that way for 31 years. Lisa and Jim took some time to settle into their careers as they began their family. They had three children together, who would grow up as servants as well. Jim settled into a career as a professional firefighter, Lisa finally became a fourth grade teacher. Justin, the oldest child, would grow up to join the US Navy as an aircraft director after graduating from Norwich University as a Civil Engineer, and marry a lovely young lady named Sarah Beth. Kelsey would grow up to marry a young man by the name of Stephen who would become a US Marine, after graduating from Delaware Valley College with degrees in large animal science and dairy science. They would go on to start their family with a boy and a girl. Marissa would grow up to become engaged to a US Airman, after graduating from Mitchell College with a degree in human development and family studies.
Through all of this time and all of these changes, the one thing that was always a constant was Lisa’s will and desire to serve all those around her. She was the Mother Advisor for the local assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, which both Kelsey and Marissa became majority members of. She was the Scout leader of the local Girl Scout troop, which both girls were also involved in. She helped out at every Boy Scouting event that Jim as the Scoutmaster, and Justin as an Eagle Scout, were involved in. She helped out at all the local agriculture fairs where the girls, who were the County leaders of the local 4H club, competed. She served as Wife, Mother, Mimi, Daughter, Sister, Teacher, and leader.
Lisa was diagnosed in June 2014 with stage IV ovarian cancer. She was never very uncomfortable at all, she just felt a little bloated, until one day when Jim came home from work, and she turned sideways and said, “look at this, I look as if I’m eight months pregnant.” Jim took her to the hospital where she ended up being diagnosed. When the oncologist told her that she needed surgery immediately, Lisa’s reaction was, “well, it can’t be for at least a week, I have 100 people coming for Marissa’s High School graduation party!” The oncologist immediately understood Lisa’s priorities in life, and after two paracentisis over the next week she made it into surgery, where she underwent a complete hysterectomy, and debulking. Lisa was out of school until January 2015 when the students returned from Christmas break. That was the only long term period she was out for the next five years. She was in and out of chemo multiple times where she and Jim became friends with everyone, as Lisa determined this would be classified as “date day.” The nurses actually used to move them around so they would be near someone having a bad day. Before the end of the treatment session they would all be laughing. One day a lady said to Lisa, “how can you be so happy?” Her answer—”Hope and Faith!”
Soon thereafter, Lisa had genetic testing and found out that she had a mutation in BRCA2, one of the two BRCA genes known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Still, had Lisa known earlier in her life that she carried a BRCA2 mutation, she may well have opted to undergo one of the procedures that could have been risk reducing. And she would have wanted to tell every amazing lady®with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to get genetically tested. Since there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, it’s important to understand a person’s risk and possibly family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer, which can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Lisa considered herself to be lucky to hear of this organization called T.E.A.L.®, and proceeded to Tell Every Amazing Lady® about ovarian cancer any way she could. Her Rainbow assembly chose to institute the first annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk in September of 2014, where we raised about $1,500. Lisa was so pleased to be able to walk the whole thing. She not only participated in the ensuing five Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walks, but actually took the reins and ran the fifth walk in 2018 herself as the Mother Advisor of the Rainbow Assembly. Jim remembers her telling him how pleased she was to be healthy enough to run the fifth walk. In July of 2019, Lisa received the news that there were no further treatment options available. In true Lisa style, she handed the reins of the T.E.A.L.® Walk over to Marissa, and told her it was her turn to serve this worthy cause. Lisa was able to walk in the sixth Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk in September, with a couple of breaks, but she did walk. Between the 2018 and 2019 Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walks, over $20,000 was donated to T.E.A.L.®! Lisa’s decline was rather rapid, as the cancer attacked her digestive system. She went into hospice in the hospital for eight days, where she passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 53, on October 27, 2019.
This year, 2020, Marissa has joined together with Hope Assembly once again; to host the seventh annual Litchfield T.E.A.L.® Walk. This year, our goal is to get the whole town involved in Litchfield, CT. Lisa’s dream was to bring more knowledge to Litchfield and everywhere she went about ovarian cancer. She wanted to have the businesses in the center of town support this by putting up different teal objects in the storefront windows, as well as posters. Marissa has been speaking with the First Selectman to figure out how to make Lisa’s dream come true. When Lisa was physically present for the walks, Marissa, the team captain, made the team name “Teal We Find a Cure,” because Marissa and her family will walk and keep hosting this walk up until and beyond when a cure is found. Hope Assembly’s goal is to make this walk the largest walk Litchfield, CT, has seen. This year’s walk for T.E.A.L.® will take place on September 19th, 2020 at Litchfield Community Field in Litchfield, CT. The walk will begin at 11 am with registration starting at 10 am. For more information, feel free to contact Tell Every Amazing Lady® at info@tealwalk.org or visit www.tealwalk.org/litchfield.
On September 8th, 2018, T.E.A.L.® hosted the 10th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run for ovarian cancer. Thanks to the many participants and volunteers at the 10th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run, T.E.A.L.® celebrated a decade of raising awareness, supporting survivors, and funding ovarian cancer research. The walk took place at the Bandshell at Prospect Park and hasn’t reached its goal yet of $250,000! To donate go to www.TealWalk.org/Brooklyn. All the profits raised at the 10th Annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L.® Walk/Run will go to supporting T.E.A.L.® mission of awareness, support, and medical research.
The event included a non-competitive run, walk, a survivor ceremony, and several booths and stations for ovarian cancer awareness and support. During September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month T.E.A.L.® Walks could be seen in various cities of the USA throughout the month. Thank you to all the walkers, runners, and volunteers who made this year’s events possible, and thank you to everyone who has helped T.E.A.L.® continue its mission in the past 10 years!
