2014 Triathlon Season Has Begun

What a great start to the triathlon season!  I was able to be the guest kick-off speaker at the Power of the Woman Triathlon.  An inaugural, all women's event, the venue provided a solid opportunity for me to talk to women about ovarian cancer.  Especially exciting was that I encouraged my Gyn-Onc to race her first triathlon that day.  It was very special to share the day with the woman who saved my life seven years ago.
I wound up taking 1st in my age group which has qualified me for the USATriathlon Nationals in Wisconsin.  I won't be able to race it but it was very exciting to qualify. 
Next weekend is the Lake Hickory Triathlon in North Carolina.  So as you can tell, even though the five year, $100K goal was met, the campaign is far from over.  I will continue to traverse the country in an effort to save lives, educate women and men about signs and symptoms and raise much needed funds to help find a method of early detection. 

Alas, the Video

Triathlete faces toughest battle of her life | Verizon FiOS1 News - Long Island

More Good Press

The campaign got some great attention at the beginning of spring from Verizon FioS1 News. It recently aired and made a good impact. Several women contacted me about ovarian cancer with questions and comments. That's what it's all about... Spreading the message.

Survivors Teaching Students

I have been very fortunate to be able to participate in a program called Survivors Teaching Students; Saving Women's Lives sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.   In hundreds of medical schools around the country, survivors enter the classroom and speak to med students during their 3rd year.  It is shown to be most effective then because at that point in their education they are hungry for real-life stories and case histories.  If something I say saves ONE LIFE, it is worth it.  I participate as often as I can and always love the experience.  It's all about spreading the message.

 

But Wait, There's More

When the competitive part of the campaign ended last November, I thought I might sit idle and need a new goal.  Little did I know the campaign would take on a new focus, a new light, a new direction. 
Public speaking has been part of the 50x50x100 from the get-go, but now with the 50 states in the rear mirror, the vocal part of the campaign is at the forefront.
Since the beginning of the year I have been actively speaking to the press and groups in a variety of forums, all in a continued effort to spread the message of early detection for ovarian cancer. 
Most recently a piece aired on FiOS1.  Titled "Heroes On Our Island", the campaign was highlighted.  While I'm not comfortable with the title, it was a great opportunity to get the word out.  Click here to see the interview or go to the Video Section of this blog.
On to the political level.  A couple of weeks ago, I learned my campaign was recognized in Nassau County.  Our county executive, Ed Mangano, presented me with the 2014 Woman of Achievement Award.  I had no idea I was nominated and it was really quite an honor. While receiving the award, Mr. Mangano leaned over to me and asked if I had really completed 50 triathlons.  It was really funny.  You can't make this stuff up.
So as you can see, the campaign isn't over yet.  Stay tuned...more to come.