Woodstock couple Larry and Donna Aber recently celebrated their daughter with a big family dinner, just as they do each year in honor of her birthday. She would have turned 41 years old in October.
In 2008, the Abers lost their daughter, Rachel, after a valiant fight against ovarian cancer, but her legacy still thrives today throughout the community and beyond as the family tirelessly works to spread awareness - and give HOPE - to others who might face this devastating disease.
“Rachel was always a healthy, active child and young woman. She excelled in school and loved to dance,” says Larry and Donna Aber. “We were so proud of the life she was building. A devoted Bulldogs fan, she graduated from the University of Georgia in 2005 and found a fulfilling job she was passionate about soon after.”
Despite having a regular exercise routine, a healthy diet, and no previous warning signs or history, Rachel’s doctor discovered a 10cm ovarian mass after a routine gynecologic exam. She was 24 years old. After surgery and the shocking news that the mass was a malignant ovarian tumor, Rachel needed a word to help her get through the unknown lying ahead.
“Rachel chose the word "HOPE," a word family and friends still use today to remember her,” says her parents. “Rachel stayed strong through 14 months of intense chemotherapy. Through the pain and complications, she never lost her giving heart, sense of humor, contagious energy, will to win, and beautiful smile.”
Her story has inspired a 15-year tradition first started by her childhood best friend, who wanted to do something in Rachel's memory. After hearing about the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) annual Teal Trot 5K, the Abers joined with family and friends to create Team Rachel's HOPE in September 2009. The group, including Rachel's brother Derek Aber, along with his wife Crystal and three children Ansley, Noah, and Hudson, walk each September in her memory for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
“We can’t say enough about the positive impact Team Rachel’s HOPE makes in the community,” says Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. “Over the years, the group has raised more than $250,000 in donations to help with ovarian cancer awareness, education, and patient outreach efforts throughout the state. Rachel’s story is a constant source of inspiration, and we’re so grateful to partner with the Abers in her honor.”
Awareness is especially important with ovarian cancer because many of the symptoms are silent and no single screening test exists to identify it at the earlier stages when diagnosis and treatment are critical.
“Rachel wanted to be an inspiration and help women fighting this disease,” says the Abers. “We HOPE people hearing her story take note if they have any potential ovarian cancer symptoms and get checked out because early detection and treatment can save lives.”
RachelsHOPE.net provides links to education and research on ovarian cancer.
The mission of GOCA, a 501c-3 non-profit, is to increase awareness and educate Georgia’s women of all ages and their families, as well as the healthcare community about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection. For more information, including opportunities to volunteer or donate, visit GAOvarianCancer.org.