Ovarian cancer hides in the shadows of our bodies, tricking us with the symptoms: Suzanne had shoulder pain. My mother had a stitch in her side. Other symptoms can be uncomfortable bloating and nausea.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest female cancer: Only 15% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed early stage as there is no effective early detection methods. The PAP smear for cervical cancer and the mammogram for breast are routine and effective because doctors, friends and family –people like you and me — said this has to stop and how do we do that.

This is Suzanne’s wish: To raise awareness and the funds to develop an early detection test that can be routine for all women, that catches this deadly cancer at an early stage.

EARLY DETECTION = SURVIVAL.

Consider contributing to The Suzanne Wedel XOXOut Ovarian Cancer Fund at MGH. And attending the fundraiser event if you are anywhere near Marblehead, Massachusetts on October 7th, 2015.

Suzanne was diagnosed at 56. My mother was 48. I take this personally. It’s time to raise the funds, raise the awareness, and lower the statistics.

I dedicate this post to my friend and hero Dr. Suzanne Wedel, who fights the fight with beauty and grace.

You Go Girl.

XOXOUT Ovarian Cancer. Now.