Ruth Ann Ornstein

Ruth Ann was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Stage 2C in August of 2013. She was diagnosed at 47 years old and at that time her children were 14 and 17 years old. Ruth Ann has the BRCA 1 Gene. Unfortunately, she was exhibiting symptoms but it took a severe stomach ache to land her in the doctor's office. Since that time Ruth Ann has gone through 2 additional recurrences, three surgeries, numerous emergency room visits, and various chemo’s. To date, she is taking a Parp Inhibitor which has been keeping her with no signs of disease. And feels great!

The first diagnosis was the most difficult, between surgery, hair loss, chemo, and the scary unknown. But, without the tremendous support of her husband Jason, two children, and friends and family the diagnosis would have been much worse. Ovarian cancer has changed Ruth Ann and her family's perspective on life and helps them all to appreciate each day a little more!

Throughout the past years, Ruth Ann has made it her mission to help other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer as well as those women with other gynecological cancers. She is involved in running educational webinars, mentoring programs, matching patients up with other survivors, networking, and making herself available for other survivors.

Ruth Ann is a graduate of the University of Hartford and has her Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She resides in Orange Connecticut with her husband Jason and daughter.

Click here to see all of Ruth Ann's articles on AdvancedOvarianCancer.net.