<div>Dear Warriors!
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<div>Since losing our 21yr. old son Tristan to suicide in early 2021, Dennis and I've had to refocus our new way of life:  running our business, keeping his memory alive with his friends, and enjoying new experiences with family &amp; friends. We also strive to live out Tristan's wish - to '"live our best lives and travel the world" and traveled to Spain in late 2022.  We were both grateful to make that trip. 
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<div>My last update was in November 2021!  At that time, I was just beginning a new clinical trial at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa that was "groundbreaking" for low grade serous ovarian cancer.  It seemed to be exactly what I needed at the time, when my abdominal tumors had grown so rapidly and surgery was not an option. The initial few months were very promising - when I was physically seeing them shrink before my eyes! This trial required that I drive to Moffitt 2-4 times per month for labs, scans, exams, eye checkups and monthly meds to log in a diary. As with any trial there are side effects, but they didn't prevent me from staying on the meds. 
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<div>At the one year mark, my oncologist suggested I see a plastic surgeon about resecting all the tumors and having flap surgery. This would be a very complex surgery, so I met with him and he felt he could do the surgery.  So, it was up to me to continue or move forward with the surgery.  At that point, the trial seemed to be working so I held off.  During the next couple of months the results were not as promising.  The medication seemed to lose ifs effectiveness, and the tumors were not healing - they were expanding.  I was also starting to develop new lesions and the disease began to spread:-(
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<div>So surgery was discussed again in July and September. But now the disease has grown too far/wide, that it's not possible to successfully resect and close me up. As Dennis and I heard this news, we were a bit relieved, not to have to go through such a long 12hr surgery and the unknown recovery and what life would be afterward.  My choices were very narrow:
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<div>1. I could continue on the trial, 2. go back to the old chemo I had done 22yrs. ago OR...
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<div>3.  look for a more innovative approach to tackle the tumors.  I chose the #3! 
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<div>But as you know, it's not a "standard of care" process, so this comes at a high price.   
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<div>Through my research for "late-stage" ovarian cancer therapy, I found Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale, AZ for precision targeted therapy! I'm currently on my last cycle of the clinical trial at Moffitt to buy me some time. I begin at Envita on Monday, 10/30/23 - WITH YOUR SUPPORT! Weekly treatments will run $10K and I'm expected to be there 10-12 weeks.  So it's the largest fundraising effort ever.  And this will be a very challenging time for me and Dennis! He will travel with me to be there for the first two weeks of my therapy schedule and then return to Sarasota to run the business. So extra prayers for him are welcome!
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<div>This December, I will be "celebrating" 22 yrs. "living with &amp; managing ovarian cancer" and I hope to keep going! Looking back at all the surgeries, chemotherapy, complementary therapy, radiation, clinical trials, non-toxic therapy, scans and appts. with numerous oncologists/specialilst in Florida, Texas and Mexico, I'm still fighting! It's nothing short of a true miracle. GOD IS GOOD! 
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<div>I've been blessed to have warriors lifting me up through prayers, supporting me with generous donations, preparing meals, sending me encouraging words and sharing my story on social media.  Each of you has made this journey unique for me and Dennis and we love you for it. I pray that you'll be with me on the ROAD TO ENVITA and ROAD to REMISSION!
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<div>God Bless!
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<div>Peace and Love,
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<div>Annette
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Alva Gerstle

Tina Boucher

Belinda Queen

Kathleen Baker

Karla Hutchins

Sheila Kelly

May lou Keller

Anonymous

Bealls Inc

Rob Dynan

Marlen Oria

ANGELA SMITHSON

Matt Beall

Jennifer Pitts

Herbert Oleen

Christopher Oleen

Lou Ellen Combs

Beverly Rodgers

Annette's "Road to Envita" Fund

Annette's "Road to Envita" Fund

Still $30,685 to go. Help us build momentum.