"Ovarian Cancer Awareness: In Honor of My Mom, Jeannie"

Dear Female Founders,

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, it’s personal. My mother lost her battle with ovarian cancer, and I feel a strong responsibility to share her story and encourage all of you to be proactive about your health.

My mother’s story is a reminder of how silent and insidious ovarian cancer can be. She had no symptoms and felt perfectly healthy. She went to the doctor for a routine checkup on her lungs, which she had regularly monitored due to infections she had when she was younger. During this visit, her doctor noticed a spot on her lung, which led to the shocking diagnosis - stage 4 ovarian cancer. Despite 16 months of fighting through chemotherapy and radiation, she ultimately lost the battle. Her experience underscores the importance of being proactive about your health, even when we feel fine.?

My mom was beautiful inside and out, and she has been a major inspiration in my professional and personal life to always lead with kindness. Her work ethic was unmatched—she taught me that no matter the challenge, you face it head-on with grace and determination. Her strength and resilience continue to guide me every day.

Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the "silent killer" because its symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for less serious conditions. But the earlier we can recognize the warning signs, the better our chances of fighting this disease. I want to use this newsletter to arm you with information that could save your life or the life of someone you love.

What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect, but there are symptoms that should never be ignored. These symptoms may be vague, but if they persist, it’s important to speak with your doctor.

Common Symptoms:

• Persistent bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate

If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks, it's important to seek medical advice. Early detection can make all the difference.

The BRCA Gene: What It Means for You

One of the biggest risk factors for ovarian cancer is a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.? My mom did not carry the BRCA mutation, which is an important reminder that ovarian cancer can affect anyone, even without genetic predisposition. Women with a BRCA mutation have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as well as breast cancer.

Should You Get Tested?

If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you should consider genetic testing to find out if you carry the BRCA mutation. A simple blood or saliva test can give you this information.

Knowing your genetic risk can help you make informed decisions about preventive measures, which may include increased monitoring, regular checkups, or even preventative surgeries.

I encourage you to have a conversation with your OB/GYN about your risk factors and whether BRCA testing might be right for you.

Steps to Take for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

1. Listen to Your Body

Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If you feel like something is off, trust your instincts and make an appointment with your doctor.

2. Know Your Family History

Talk to your relatives about your family’s history with ovarian and breast cancer. If cancer runs in your family, it may impact your own risk, and knowing this can be vital to early detection or prevention.

3. Regular Checkups with Your OB/GYN

Be proactive and ask your OB/GYN about ovarian cancer risk factors. Though there is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer for most women, your doctor can recommend personalized options if you are at higher risk.

4. Consider Genetic Testing

If ovarian or breast cancer is in your family, ask your doctor about BRCA testing. It’s a simple step that could provide lifesaving information.

A Note for the Men Reading This

While this letter is primarily addressed to the women in my audience, I know some of you men may be reading as well. Please, encourage the women in your life—your wives, mothers, sisters, daughters—to be aware of ovarian cancer and to take the steps I’ve outlined above. Your support could make a difference.

Closing Thoughts

Ovarian cancer claimed my mother’s life, and though she’s no longer with us, I carry her memory with me every day. By raising awareness and encouraging conversations, we can help ensure that more women catch ovarian cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

This month, I urge you to take a moment for your health. Talk to your doctor, check in with your family, and share this information with others. Together, we can honor those who have been affected by ovarian cancer and protect ourselves for the future.

Resources for More Information or to Make a Donation:

• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA): Link
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: Link
• BRCA Gene Information: Link

Take care of yourselves, and let's spread awareness this September.

Warmly,

Bridget