As I was sitting in the Kaiser infusion center in Denver, CO, I was overcome with fears. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer - Stage 3C, and was now on my 11th of 17 grueling rounds of Chemotherapy.

When I got diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I felt like I was in a foreign country and didn't speak the language. There was nowhere to turn to for help. I didn't know there was help.

I happened to come across a story on Channel 7 News featuring a race for ovarian cancer. It was the first annual Jodi's Race, hosted by the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. I had no idea this organization existed.

I recruited a few of my family members and attended the first ever Jodi's Race, along with the Survivor's Breakfast. I walked into that room expecting breakfast, and what I found were many women who were ovarian cancer survivors. It was the first time that I had met anyone with ovarian cancer and it was a mind-boggling experience. Although each week I found myself in that infusion center with tons of people fighting cancer, I had never met another with my disease. It was really inspirational.

After attending Jodi's Race, I learned more about COCA and the resources they provide to women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Monday after the race, I attended my first Nicki's Circle Support group and learned so much from really courageous women who were there to share their stories and help mentor me. It's a place to compare notes on how treatment is going, to learn what worked for some, and just really make that connection with women who have been there and who are still going through it.

I am an 11 year ovarian cancer survivor and the President of COCA's Board of Directors. I've recurred 3 times, have undergone 7 surgeries and 23 rounds of chemo. I don't know if I would be here without COCA.