Stephanie Parke’s Story

JLR_Foundationsteph pic

On June 26, 2013, my life took at sharp turn and sent my family and I for a spin. After visiting a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy because of blood found in my stool, I was told that I had a tumor in my colon that looked like cancer. I was like…you got the wrong lady I have hemorrhoids not cancer. My husband is a doctor and not once did cancer even cross our radar! I am 41, healthy, an avid exerciser, mom of 3, very active, no signs and symptoms… we were shocked! We went through a month of many, many tests and finally discovered that I have stage 4b primary peritoneal serous carcinoma. It is a super rare cancer that is closely linked to ovarian cancer. Luckily my cancer grew from the peritoneum- which is the lining of organs in the abdominal/pelvic cavity into my colon…hence the blood. I had a total hysterectomy and colon resection in July and started chemo in August.

This journey has taught me that what it says in Romans 8:28 is true “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Even though this cancer battle has been a dark road, God is using me for good to help others with this disease and to help find a cure. This is my purpose, please consider making a donation so together we can help find a test for early detection and diagnosis of ovarian and peritoneal cancer.

– Stephanie Parke