From OHC, Specialists in the Treatment of Adult Cancers and Blood Disorders

October 1, 2020

Paige Shapiro is one of the fortunate ones. She has survived ovarian cancer.

This year in the U.S., approximately 14,000 women will not be as fortunate as Paige. They will lose their battle with ovarian cancer, mostly due to the lack of an early detection screening and the fact that most ovarian cancer is diagnosed at a late stage.

While the doctors and researchers at OHC continue their search for new treatments and educate women on the risks and possible signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, women like Paige are offering their support and understanding to women with ovarian cancer through a program called, Woman to Woman.

Woman to Woman is a unique support program that the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati adopted, was created and funded by the national Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and is administered and supported by the Cancer Support Community. It pairs gynecologic cancer patients with trained survivor volunteers who had the same condition, and they offer one-on-one emotional support to patients. From the moment of diagnosis through the end of treatment and beyond, Woman to Woman survivor volunteers have helped hundreds of women and their families cope with gynecologic cancer.

“I learned about the Woman to Woman program several years ago from Sarah Wilson who is an Advanced Practice Provider at OHC that I see during my annual visits,” said Paige. “Sarah spoke often of the program, but since I was working full time, I never really considered it.”

“I tell our patients about the Woman to Woman program because it offers them a unique perspective. The support comes from survivors – women who have been through what our patients are currently going through. Survivors can tell patients what to expect and offer advice on topics like side effects, anxiety, family support and more, and I thought Paige would be great at that,” said Sarah.

Paige changed her mind when she realized just how much comfort Sarah’s support provided her. Paige wanted to give back to others and provide the same type of reassurance and understanding she had received from Sarah.

“I had a strong support system, but 11 years ago there was minimal information about ovarian cancer and survival rates were bleaker. Receiving a sudden diagnosis followed by a radical hysterectomy, induced menopause and chemotherapy was a steep mountain to climb. I found myself searching for survivors; women who had reached the other side of the mountain who could provide me with hope,” said Paige. “That’s what I found through Woman to Woman and that’s what I wanted to do for other women.”

“We adopted the Woman to Woman program because we understand that survivors have special insights that can only come from someone who has experienced the diagnosis, treatment and survival of gynecologic cancers,” explained Dianne Weidman, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. “Not all women have understanding support systems that can help them with all the different aspects that they are dealing with. Their mentor helps fill that gap in their lives and support them through their journey. Some of the most common topics between the patient and survivor include chemotherapy and treatment of side effects, fear, and life after treatment is complete.”

“One of the positive things that happens to a cancer survivor is the clear perspective you gain on the important things in life. You are given a renewed sense of gratitude for and reminder of what matters in life. What better way to pay it forward than to help someone who is on their cancer journey up the same mountain and provide some inspiration, hope and love,” Paige added.

At OHC, patients receive comprehensive care that includes advanced treatments and promising new therapies through clinical trials from the region’s leading experts in cancer care. OHC also provides supportive care and connects patients with cancer community organizations that offer unique programs designed specially for patients and their families. Learn more about the services, treatment and support at OHC, or request a second opinion at ohcare.com or call 1-888-649-4800. To learn more about the Woman to Woman program, visit https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/woman-to-woman/.