The author, at right, planting butterfly garden at last year's walk.
On Sunday, May 7, I’ll be joining hundreds of other walkers and participants at the Discovery to Cure Beverly Levy Walk and Festival 2023.
Named for the late Beverly Levy, who first conceived of the walk while in treatment for ovarian cancer in 2013, the focus of the walk and festival is to bring awareness of, and education about, reproductive cancers; and to provide an opportunity for survivors, families, and friends to come together as we raise funds for reproductive cancer research at the Yale School of Medicine.
This year’s walk is especially significant for me, as I mark ten years as a survivor of ovarian cancer. Thousands of other women diagnosed each year with reproductive cancers are not as fortunate, and I don’t take my survival lightly.
Last year I planted a “butterfly” in the garden in memory of my best childhood friend, who died of ovarian cancer, and who taught me the symptoms. I always dedicate my walk to her.
I live with awe and gratitude to the exceptionally fine clinicians at Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Gynecological Oncology Department.
I don’t think I’ve ever had medical providers as excellent and empathetic as the doctors and nurses I have encountered during and since my treatment.
The Discovery to Cure Program, co-founded in 2003 by Peter E. Schwartz, MD (my wonderful surgeon, now retired from clinical practice), is now directed by Elena Ratner, MD. Dr. Ratner astounds me with her energy and excellence as a clinician, researcher, and fierce advocate for the needs of women. Discovery to Cure successfully blends these three components of research, clinical care and advocacy.
This program is so very significant to me, and in support, I will walk for my daughters, my granddaughter, and for all others to secure their healthy futures.
So please join me on Sunday, May 7! Registration opens at 10 a.m. In addition to the Walk, we’ll have vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, and live entertainment by School of Rock, Mulkerin School of Irish Dance, and a concert by Lunch Box. Please come out and support women in treatment, survivorship, critical research, and spend a great day with our community!
The walk will take place on Sunday, May 7 at the Orange Fairgrounds at 525 Orange Center Rd., Orange, CT. See below for more details.
