by Deb Silverthorn
On February 18, from 9am to 3pm, the Aaron Family JCC will host the sixth installment of Wheel to Survive, organized by the Be The Difference Foundation (BTDF). This initiative, which has raised $2 million since its inception, is spearheaded by four ovarian cancer survivors.
Among the founders is Jill Bach, a mother of two who will mark her 11th year of survivorship this April. At 44, she initially dismissed her persistent “cough” as bronchitis, only to discover through x-rays that her left lung was obscured. Subsequent tests confirmed her diagnosis of stage IV ovarian cancer.
“Considering the odds, I believed I survived for a purpose linked to the Be The Difference Foundation,” stated Bach, who carries the BRCA1 mutation.
Lynn Lentscher, a retired real estate and title agent, is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of three. At 53, she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Following a year of treatments and an additional 11 years of complications, she proudly celebrates 18 years of being cancer-free.
“I prayed not only for survival but also for clarity on my purpose if I made it. I realized the significance of providing hope,” Lentscher shared.
Julie Shrell, who received an ovarian cancer diagnosis at 48, underwent BRCA1 testing which returned positive. “Many ovarian cancer symptoms go unrecognized by the public,” noted Shrell, a senior residential mortgage loan officer, wife, and mother of three. “I experienced classic and some lesser-known symptoms, yet I never thought they were serious.”
Helen Gardner, of blessed memory, was just 55 and a mother of three when she passed away on August 20, 2014. Gardner was proactive, researching and pursuing life-extending treatments to make the most of her time. Her family remains committed to the Foundation, with her husband Gary actively serving on the Board of Directors.
Statistics reveal that 1.3% of women will develop ovarian cancer, with a dramatically higher risk of 39% for those carrying the BRCA1 mutation, and 11 to 17% for those with the BRCA2 mutation by age 70. Families with multiple cases of breast and ovarian cancer, or those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, have heightened odds. Early detection improves the five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer to over 92%, yet due to vague symptoms and late diagnosis, only 50% reach that milestone.
One of BTDF’s notable beneficiaries, the Lazarex Foundation, assists women in obtaining and accessing treatments. They uniquely facilitate participation in FDA clinical trials by covering expenses such as airfare, housing, parking, additional medical testing, and trial identification, having aided over 3,000 patients.
“Be The Difference has supported 15 ovarian cancer patients this year with $35,000 dedicated to their care,” stated Program Services Coordinator Erin Miller, whose husband Mike faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2003. “Having navigated this journey ourselves, we aim to help others find solace and time.”
Bach, Lentscher, and Shrell dedicate their time volunteering at UT Southwestern and participating in Survivors Teaching Students, where they help convey the personal stories behind the statistics of cancer to medical students and patients alike. “While we are here to assist survivors and those affected by cancer, our mission is far from complete. We are determined to Be The Difference!” asserted Lentscher.
The trio looks forward to the day when ovarian cancer is recognized as a manageable condition with effective treatments, ultimately aspiring for a cure. Until that day arrives, their commitment remains focused on offering support and hope to women battling this disease, as hope fuels their efforts.
For more information, email wts@bethedifferencefoundation.org or visit
www.bethedifferencefoundation.org for Wheel to Survive registration.
Use the promo code “GoodLife” to receive a $10 discount on your registration.
