After working on this blog for the vast majority of the time I have had cancer I have documented dismal, hopeful, and the mundane days alike. If nothing else, this particular post is meant to express the pure joy and gratitude I have in reflection of this past weekend’s activities: The Izzy Gala and the 2015 NOCC Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer.

The entire weekend was tied to cancer in some way, shape or form, yet none of it was dark or dismal. It screamed community and comfort.

I had been looking forward to this weekend for weeks now and it delivered in every way. In light of finding out that my CA-125 had decreased a smidgen from 777 to 742 I was already elated going into the weekend. I just needed one little decrease to reinvigorate me and damnnit I got it!

Here is a reenactment of what I felt  just in case the 600 gif’s from the last post weren’t enough to express myself:

Even with a Taxol and Avastin infusion on Friday, nothing was going to kill my vibe.

The 4th Annual Izzy Gala:

Many of you know that an organization that is very special to me is The Izzy Foundation. It is special for a number of reasons but mainly because it operates in memory of Dr. Tina Robison’s daughter Isabelle, who “earned her angel wings” at 3 years old after battling Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. In spite of Izzy leaving the physical world far too soon, the Izzy Foundation has grown to support other children facing debilitating illness and their families.

One of the highlights of the gala is when they award scholarships to children with illness, child survivors and their siblings! This year $21,000 in scholarships were awarded to amazing young people from coast to coast. Many of them were able to attend the gala and be honored in person.

The night consisted of a live and silent auction, dinner, and dancing. It certainly is not a stuffy event. It is “purple tie” which means black tie “with an Izzy twist” so everyone is draped in purple, her favorite color.

 

(oh and yes, ever the gentleman, my handsome date brought me purple flowers to highlight the occasion)

When I walked into the ballroom that night the first person I spotted was Dr. Robison and her husband Kyle. She looked stunning per usual. I swear she must have made some sort of deal with Ursula the sea witch to look THAT good all the time AND be an amazing gyn oncologist AND run a baller non-profit.

Dr. Robison caught my eye and ran right over to Cory and I greeting us with giant hugs. She was genuinely happy to see us and as always, I was just as happy to see her. She mentioned her excitement over the lowered CA-125 then said: “You will always be my guest at the Izzy Gala and there will be many, many, more Izzy Gala’s in your future.” It was sweet and reassuring as if to suggest: “We’re in this together and I’ve got your back”.

(^I wish this came out a tad more clearly. I snuck this shot right before Tina and Kyle went on stage to make their speeches. Just a sweet little moment between husband and wife)

Overall it was a beautiful night. It’s always great to have an excuse to throw on a gown and get dolled up.

Shout out to Danielle at Ky Michaels Salon for doing such a faboosh job on my make up! She really nailed my only instructions: “glammed up but not drag queen”.

Giant thank-you to Cory for getting dressed up with me and making sure that it was the most beautiful evening. I couldn’t ask for a better boyfriend.

Oh you thought the weekend ended there? OH no. Sunday was just as great.

The 2015 NOCC Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer:

After I had recurred at the end of 2013, I was feeling a whole mess of emotions. Partially I was desperately seeking out community from others that could relate to my challenges. The other part was a desire to “pay it forward” for all of the care and support I had received to that point. That is really when I discovered the RI chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Since stumbling across this organization I’ve raised money for them on three separate occasions. I find comfort in knowing that this money is going toward research efforts, education, and support for women and families facing OC. Beyond the actual function of the RI NOCC, I found a group of people with such heart. President of the RI chapter, Donna Ricci, as well as the Morris and O’Donnell families have not only made me feel part of something greater than myself, but also truly loved and encouraged as I have gone through treatment. Whenever I see any one of them, I am made to feel like part of their family.

As a result of participating in the NOCC walk two years consecutively, I have also had the pleasure of meeting other OC cancer crushers. This year one of my favorite new faces was Dorinda, one of Sheila’s favorites. She was stunning and sweet. It was no surprise to me why Sheila adores her.

Last year as the survivors lined up to be recognized on stage I had the great fortune of meeting Judy, a woman TWELVE years cancer free and her daughter Marybeth. They were probably the nicest people I’ve ever met so naturally when we saw each other this year it was a giant love fest. (Judy- Next year I am mandating that you wear a tutu. Don’t make me pull the cancer card on this one!).

Aside from other survivors it was nice to see my girl Sheila amongst other friendly faces from the infusion center. They are always a ray of sunshine. Plus what screams dedication to the job more than using your day off to STILL support your patients?

Now onto my DREAM team: Teal All Your Friends…

(^ Missing Monica, Kerri, and Diane here 😦 )

Collectively my team raised $4215! We actually ranked third for team donations behind #1 Dorinda’s Diva’s (wooo!) and #2 BankRI. Not too shabby! We couldn’t have done it without your love and genorosity. If you donated, shared the donation page or simply sent me a few words of encouragement, THANK-YOU! Perhaps your donations will lead to a revolutionary treatment or an early detection tool. The possibilities are endless but exist because you cared.

Shout outs to this year’s team: Cory Tysoe, Stacey Goldman, Michelle Fabiaschi, Sarah Breen, Emily Nason, Matt Weese, Monica Houde, Kerri Forbes, Diane Ruotolo, Johanna Fleisher, Kelly Blessing, Mrs. Blessing,  Eileen “Killer” McKinney, Charles “The King” Ransom, Anne “Rockin” Ransom, & our furry mascots Austen and Brick (oh and Brian Eastman even though he ditched us to oogle Tom Brady at Gillette).

To the team- your energy, enthusiasm, and endless supply of humor made this walk beyond special and memorable.

‘Twas a great day to celebrate with great people and honor equally great people that have left us after their fight with OC.

In reflection of a weekend full of light and positivity, it’s hard to believe that the reason everyone had come together for each event was because of cancer. Cancer so frequently brings about distress and heartache, fear, turmoil- but for one weekend we could laugh in the face of disease and lift each other up in the name of community.

Cheers to everyone near and far that played a role in making this weekend one for the books.