Many of us will never be touched by ovarian cancer but, for those of us who have been, it is a life changing experience that will forever live in the minds and hearts of the entire family. Dan Lauerman’s wife of 33 years, Kim, was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer Thanksgiving week of 2017. It changed their world forever.
“Ovarian cancer is obviously a disease no one wants to be involved with,” says Dan. He and Kim live in Alpharetta. “Kim exuded confidence that we would beat the cancer from day one.”
Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Because there is no test, most women are diagnosed much later in the progression of the disease. “The disturbing thing about this cancer is that Kim had no symptoms until the day before she was diagnosed.” Women may have no symptoms but may experience abdomen or pelvic pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal and abdominal issues.
Kim and Dan faced ovarian cancer together and, along with their two sons, they were an unstoppable positive force. The couple weathered the continuous tests, procedures, and treatments. “She had a 'can-do' attitude from the moment she was diagnosed, which has continued through today,” says Dan. During the second round of chemotherapy Dan and Kim scheduled long weekend get-aways every three weeks and drove everywhere from Gulf Shores to Amelia Island and Destin to Myrtle Beach.
Kim first learned of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) from her oncologist and in March of 2019 she championed the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala charity auction. Kim is very much looking forward to becoming involved with the organization. “I think advocacy has helped Kim feel like she is making a difference,” says Dan. “The nurses at the infusion center often commented on Kim’s positive attitude and that attitude is a major factor in beating cancer.”
GOCA continues to touch the lives of women and their families across our state through awareness and education programs such as Teal to Heal, the annual fashion show hosted by Tootsie’s of Buckhead and, The Teal Trot annual charity walk at Chastain Park.
For the third year in a row GOCA has opted for a virtual Shaken, Not Stirred charity fundraising broadcast. This year’s broadcast is being held on June 12th, starting at 6:55pm. The one-hour broadcast features educational and informative content about the organization and its mission, highlights members of their community, and ways to support their ongoing Bag of Hope program. This year, in conjunction with the broadcast event, GOCA is thrilled to offer an incredible five course dine-along experience featuring the Capital Grille Dunwoody. To learn more about the Broadcast Event and Dine Along please visit GOCA.home.qtego.net
For more information about GOCA, its mission to educate women, their families and the health care community about the risks, symptoms, and treatment of ovarian cancer leading to earlier detection; or to learn more about their community fundraising efforts please visit GAOvarianCancer.org
