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Judy’s Mission News

Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives®

By Judy Karonika, Program Manager, Judy’s Mission Ovarian Cancer Foundation. With our primary mission being to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms and methods of detection of ovarian cancer, Judy’s Mission is very proud of our signature program Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives ® (STS).  Created and administered by Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), Judy’s Mission partners by facilitating the one hour STS classroom course which  allows ovarian cancer survivors to share their experiences with medical and nursing students in the greater Houston area.   Survivors discuss their symptoms, doctors’ visits, diagnosis, misdiagnosis and eventual detection, treatment and current status. ...
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The Benefit of Support Groups

By Judy Karonika, Judy’s Mission Program Manager “Nobody understands.”  I’ve heard that said by people in grief about the loss of a loved one, after a frightening experience, like abuse, military service, victim of a crime, and of course about being diagnosed with and dealing with cancer.   Research has found that patients with more social support tend to feel less anxious and depressed and report a better quality of life. People with cancer find it encouraging to have others who listen and help with the practical aspects of dealing with cancer. Coincidentally, while I was preparing this blog post, a woman, who...
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An Interview with Dr. Christine Lee, Gynecologic Oncologist, The Woodlands

Introducing Dr. Christine Lee,a gynecologic oncologist at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and Texas Oncology, – a woman who has impacted the lives of numerous women she has met and worked with. Today we sit down with Dr. Lee and learn more about what drove her to this field, her insights on ovarian cancer and her message to all women. Why did you decide to practice gynocolgoic oncology in the first place as opposed to any other oncology specialty?  When I was going through medical school, I realized that I really enjoyed taking care of women and promoting women’s health.  ...
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Survivor Stories: Haley Odlozil

Today we sit down with Woodlands local, Haley Houston Odlozil. At the young age of 23, Haley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but never let it hold her back. Keep reading to hear Haley’s story, recovery and journey with ovarian cancer.  23 is so young to be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. That said though, were you tested for the BRCA gene? Do you have it? I was incredibly young to be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It was the absolute last thing on my mind when I went to the doctor complaining of pain; by the time I was diagnosed the cancer had spread...
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From Paramedic to Patient

After being a paramedic for 26+ years, Misty Worrell wasn’t used to being the one on a stretcher. But a little over a year ago, Misty was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer after discovering a blood clot in her leg. Now in remission and still working in the emergency medical field in an administrative role, here are six questions with the Humble resident about her story. How did being a paramedic effect your experience as a cancer patient? You must have had more medical knowledge going through this experience than the average person. MW: Being in the medical field,...
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Interview with Dr. Pamela Soliman, Gynecologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center

We tend to focus a lot on patients during OC awareness month, but we are thrilled introduce you to someone on the other side of the fence. Dr. Pamela Soliman is a Gynecologic Oncologist at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, on the Board of Directors at Judy’s Mission, and was Judith Liebenthal Robinson’s oncologist (the namesake of our organization). Without further ado, here are 5 questions with Dr. Soliman. Do you think that one day a screening for ovarian cancer will exist? (In other words, the equivalent to what the mammogram is to breast cancer.) If so, how far off...
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Introducing Canopy, The Woodlands’ First Cancer Support Center

From surviving to thriving, Canopy is dedicated to shifting the conversation from experiencing cancer to living and celebrating life at every stage of cancer treatment. Below is everything you need to know about Memorial Hermann’s newest passion project. WHO: Anyone who has been affected by cancer in some form or fashion (including friends and family members of cancer survivors) are welcome at Canopy’s warm, inviting space to receive support, learn something new, or simply relax.  WHAT: Canopy is a cancer survivorship center with a mission of bettering the health and well-being of cancer survivors. They offer a wide variety of programs and services like yoga classes, tai...
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Stephanie Parke’s Story, Part II: Cancer-Free and Embracing Life

When Stephanie Parke was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2013, she had no idea that such tragic news would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Three years later–after a total hysterectomy, 18 weeks of chemo, and a 4-month clinical trial at MD Anderson–Parke is cancer-free and living life at its fullest as a loving mom, career woman, and ovarian cancer awareness activist. Aside from running her own dental practice and raising three kids, Parke spends her days helping women who have been diagnosed with the ugly disease and aiding in finding a cure. The most important thing...
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