|
This website is in memory of Nancy Blumer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and friend. Nancy was born June 6, 1941. She died July 31, 2008.
Nancy, at the young age of 64, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a little less than 3 years ago. She started chemotherapy in December of 2005 and much to the excitement of her family and friends, her CA125 numbers fell below normal. Unfortunately that happiness was short lived — shortly thereafter her numbers began to rise again leading to more chemotherapy. After a total of six different rounds of chemotherapy during the span of almost 2-1/2 years, and two grueling surgeries, Nancy found out there were no more options for her. Her cancer had outpaced research.
When Nancy was first diagnosed, she was in stage 3D; this meant the cancer had spread quite a bit, but had not made it to her vital organs. While she had been experiencing symptoms for several months, the symptoms for ovarian cancer are very much like symptoms for other, much more common problems. One of the reasons why this cancer is so “successful” is because it has the opportunity to spread while masquerading as a less deadly problem.
There is no screening tool for ovarian cancer. The CA125 test is best for patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer so the physicians can carefully monitor their progress. Other tests, such as CT scans of the abdomen, are not cost effective because the prevalence of ovarian cancer is so low — somewhere around 2% of all women. What CAN be done is research; research for better screening tools, or maybe even research for a cure. How you can help: visit these websites to learn more or make a donation. And don’t forget to root for the orange hat — let’s ORANGE OUT Ovarian Cancer!!
|
|
WORLD SERIES OF POKER 2008 |
|
In memory of his Mother-in-law (June 6, 1941 – July 31, 2008), inspired by Barry Greenstein (who donates all his tournament winnings to charity), and in the spirit of Phil Gordon’s “Put a Bad Beat on Cancer,” WSOP 2008 participant, David Spencer, has pledged 100% of his winnings to ovarian cancer research. “It would be a miracle for an amateur at my skill level to make any significant money during this year’s Main Event,” says Spencer. “But the poker community has been so generous, I’m excited to try. And in poker, sometimes miracles occur. So until we find a cure, trying to create a little miracle can’t hurt. And who knows? Maybe we’ll raise some awareness about this vicious disease in the meantime.” |
|
DID YOU KNOW that all women are at risk for ovarian cancer? Only 10% of all cases are hereditary (inherited). |
|
FACT: |
|
Click the links below to see how you can support ovarian cancer research. |
|
|
In September 1997, leaders from seven ovarian cancer groups joined forces to form the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Their primary goal was to establish a coordinated national effort to place ovarian cancer education, policy and research issues prominently on the agendas of national policy makers and women's health care leaders. |
|
|
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s mission is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. |
|
|
In three short years HERA has become a nationally recognized ovarian cancer nonprofit organization funding cutting edge research grants to young scientists at respected medical institutions. In so doing they expand the scientific understanding of ovarian cancer while improving the lives of those battling this deadly disease. |
|