Honoring the Men

     The materials we read about ovarian cancer are frequently, and quite understandably, addressed to women, However, ovarian cancer isn't just a woman's disease .... it's a family disease.
     Kevin Regan, husband of Gail Regan, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer this past winter, poignantly expressed the devastating effects of this disease on behalf of the (Ovarian Cancer National) Alliance at a Congressional hearing to increase the Department of Defense's Ovarian Cancer Research Program. In his testimony, he talked about the importance of increasing awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms.  "If we had known the symptoms, my children might still have a mother, I might still have my beautiful wife and the Navy would still have a loyal and proud officer," he said.
     Kevin is but one of the male heroes working to increase awareness. Here are just a few of the many wonderful men who have helped the ovarian cancer advocacy movement to grow and flourish.

     Retired naval officer Clark Rook lost Elaine, his wife of 37 years, to ovarian cancer after her doctors initially dismissed her symptoms to signs of aging. As a result of her death, Clark has made it his mission to encourage women to develop an awareness of ovarian cancer, listen to their bodies, be their own advocates, and talk openly with their doctors.

     Kenneth Haugk, an ordained Lutheran minister and co-founder od Stephen Ministries, became an expert on clinical trials after his wife, Joan, was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer. He has discussed methods of finding the best treatment options at various events, including the (Ovarian Cancer National) Alliance's 2000 "Silent No More" conference.

     Professional sculptor John Magnan utilized his artistic talent to increase awareness by developing the show "Body image - Body Essence" during his wife's ovarian cancer therapy.

     (Ovarian Cancer National) Alliance Board Member Bob Ferriday, who lost his wife to ovarian cancer in 1998, has worked to raise ovarian cancer awareness in such ways as helping an ovarian cancer group form in his hometown of Milwaukee and providing support for the (Ovarian Cancer National) Alliance's newly designed web site.

     Michael Terwelp came up with the idea of developing the highly popular wallet sized cards detailing ovarian cancer facts and symptoms along with his wife Rosemary, who has since died of ovarian cancer.

     Dr. John Lewis, former president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists' Foundation (GCF), played a crucial role in the ovarian cancer community's development by facilitating the inclusion of patient advocates into research work and inviting ovarian cancer advocacy groups to work with the gynecologic oncologists as part of GCF's Allied Support Group.

     Ovarian cancer is a disease that effects our husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, our medical personnel and our community just as deeply and just as profoundly as it effects us, the survivors. These tireless supporters help us make this "Silent Killer" silent no more.
     By calling attention to some of wonderful men, I am leaving out the countless other unsung heroes who help make our community strong, Let us take this opportunity on behalf of the Alliance to thank them for all of their unwavering support and dedication to helping us conquer this terrible disease.
                                                       Patricia Goldman
                                                          President, OCNA

      Web Master's comment .... Many times when my late wife Juanita and I were driving through an apparently dangerous intersection did we comment "How many people will die here before they put up a traffic signal?" Well far too many women have died for this disease to remain silent. EVERYONE, male and female, can tell you the symptoms of prostate cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and other forms of cancer but few know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Yes, for me, loosing Juanita to ovarian cancer was a wake up call. My world was OVER! But it is remembering her smile and her tender and loving touch that DEMANDS that I do something, however small, to draw attention to ovarian cancer and to increase AWARENESS of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer!
      If Juanita could talk with you now I am sure that she would say:
"PLEASE,  PLEASE, PLEASE, SILENT NO MORE!!"