First Person
Stories of courage and grace
Alison Haskell (right) pauses with Kathleen Keenan, RN, NP.
Halfway through my treatment for ovarian cancer, I realized I wanted to spread the word to other women about this disease. If I had been ignorant about my symptoms, I knew there must be others like me. My idea grew into "Cures for Ovarian Cancer," a project to increase awareness about diagnostic tools and gather inspiring stories of ovarian cancer survivors around the country (see www.curesforovca.com).
Despite the fact that we share a frightening disease, all the women I've met so far share something else: courage and grace. Their messages include: Live strong. Advocate for yourself. Let your family, friends, and faith sustain you through your challenge with cancer. Make sure you understand your health records. Support desperately needed research funding for early screening tools and late-stage ovarian cancer treatment. And never, never, lose hope.
—Dana-Farber patient Alison Haskell
