This year marks 12 years of my beloved mother’s passing. Her spirit lives on through Ovarcome. She didn’t get to celebrate her 1 year cancer anniversary. She didn’t get to see her second grandchild. She didn’t get to love her first grandchild long enough. Cancer ravaged through her body, but couldn’t touch her beautiful soul. My mother was beautiful, gracious, and kind. She never complained why she had cancer. She somehow gracefully always emerged with a smile, and celebrate every micro-step in her recovery, that lasted 2 months. She was hopeful that the rigorous cancer treatment would eradicate all cancer from her body, and that she would be able to live a few years of meaningful life. She called me ecstatic, the day she was returning from her doctor’s appointment, declared cancer free. I still remember the joy and hope in her voice. That joy lasted 2 months before her cancer returned with brutal aggression that no amount of treatment could control. After fighting for breath for 2 hours without a pause at the hospital, her body shriveling and jerking continuously, she calmed down and said, “that was probably a reaction to the medicine”. Still no complaints. I remember visiting her in the ICU, two days before her passing – she was still coherent. I sat down beside her, held her hand, and talked to her about us after her. We knew the end was nearing – she was ready to Ovarcome. But she felt guilty leaving my Dad, and me behind when there was so much still left unsaid. I reassured her that we would live on with her in our hearts in my effort to take away her guilt. The most difficult and the most beautiful thing I have done in my life I think. She also told me to allow her the gift of a graceful departure. I signed all paperwork to release her of all pain and all unnecessary medications and interventions. She passed away, with all her near and dear ones by her side – gently, graciously, definitively, just the way she was. I sat in that room and watched her breathe her last. I remember this moment as if it was yesterday. I dream of her often, even after these 12 years. Her death and the experience of it, transformed my life and fundamentally changed who I am. I created Ovarcome so I can serve all Ovarcomers worldwide that have now become my family. My Mom is long gone, but I want to hold on to the joy and happiness you all bring to me. The inspiration you give me. The strength to carry on you provide me, every single day. Thank you for adopting me. I love you all. 

Cancer didn’t run in our family and the possibility never occurred to us, even though my mother exhibited symptoms for quite a while. We attributed it to digestive issues under the guidance of experienced front-line physicians. A classic story of a family unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer – never expected her to be diagnosed of cancer, of any kind.

 

I learned of my mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis over the phone – we were separated by 10,000 miles. After 11 months of fighting the battle of her life, she bid farewell to us with grace and dignity. My mother was the rock of my life – my inspiration, my best friend, my mentor, and my champion. Her death propelled me towards recognizing my life’s true purpose in creating Ovarcome.

 

With the help of a phenomenal Board, dedicated volunteers, donors, supporters, and countless blessings, in a short span of time, Ovarcome has committed to over 15 Research Grants to Young Investigators, have helped hundreds of women with our OvarCare financial assistance program both nationally and internationally – a program that has grown from 1 to 137+ hospitals, and have hosted many seminars and awareness campaigns to raise awareness on ovarian cancer worldwide with an online reach of over 1.75 million followers across platforms, annually.

 

We are working tirelessly to save lives of women around the world through education, awareness, empowerment, early action, and support for the under-served. New programs, services, collaborations and partnerships are all in the horizon. We are adding more hospitals nationwide to our list to offer our OvarCare financial assistance program. We are marching forward in our quest to diffuse boundaries and unite hearts in our fight against ovarian cancer.

 

I feel fortunate to have found my purpose and passion in life through Ovarcome, and that too, as a path illuminated for me by my mother. Her death gave me as much to gain and receive, as her life. I feel happy to realize that she passed away peacefully, with grace and dignity and now I am here to carry on her legacy. When you find your calling and your purpose, you will know it – once you do, take that leap of faith. Every sentence starts with one letter and every vision starts with a dream – take that step, own it, be prepared to learn from failures, celebrate each small victory, seek advice, question the need, be resilient, embrace uncertainty, believe in your convictions, love fiercely and always have faith in your strength to Ovarcome.

 

As I remember my mother on her 12th death anniversary, I celebrate and honor the incredibly amazing woman she was, someone not confined by life and death- her spirit will live on through this foundation. My mother is and will always remain my inspiration to Ovarcome.