Information: ocrf.org
Bethany Diamond wanted to bring attention to the disease that took her friend, Debbie Green Flamm.
“Ovarian cancer is such a vicious disease, and if there was a test that could diagnose it, a lot of women’s lives could be saved,” said Bethany Diamond. “I wanted to find a way to give back and honor Debbie’s memory.”
In memory of her friend who died at age 43 and a crusade to find a test, Diamond started the Ovarian Cycle, an indoor cycling event that started with 40 cycling enthusiasts.
The Ovarian Cycle now takes place in 15 cities and thousands have ridden in support of the cause. The event has raised more than $3 million to fund the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the oldest and largest charity in the U.S. funding ovarian cancer research.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women between ages 35-74, according to The American Cancer Society. It is estimated that one woman in 71 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime and there will be over 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed this year. Statistically more than 15,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Unfortunately, there is no real test to diagnose it and usually when it is found, the cancer is untreatable.
Diagnosed in 2002, Kelly Williams of Roswell is an ovarian cancer survivor and has participated in the Ovarian Cycle as a way to give back and raise awareness.
“I wasn’t feeling right, and the doctors found an eight pound tumor,” said Williams. “Participating in this cycle helps me to help other women become more aware about this disease and hopefully, one day find a test that can diagnose it early so more lives can be saved.”
The local Ovarian Cycle took place on March 20 at Lifetime Athletic Fitness in Sandy Springs and raised over $100,000 for OCRF.
“When you talk to someone, you realize that ovarian cancer is one or two degrees of separation,” said Diamond. “The most important thing is to raise enough money to find a test. Together, as a community, we can help solve this.”
The community can still help The Ovarian Cycle by donating to the cause or hosting small fundraisers to continue raising awareness and funds.
In other news: Aaron's Inc. presented Action Ministries with a renovated computer lab at the Grace United Methodist Church this winter. Aaron's employees re-painted the lab, moved in new furniture and installed 14 new computers. Additionally, Aaron's associates and Action Ministries staff unveiled a newly renovated lab located at 458 Ponce De Leon Ave. to the many low-income families who rely on the computers. Action Ministries, a 50-year-old nonprofit, mobilizes communities to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on hunger relief, housing and education.
About the Author
