From Partner to Patient
Meet Renee
Ovarian Cancer Survivor and AYA Ambassador
"I felt that I would benefit from support from others my age."
In 2024, I had the opportunity to start a partnership with Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program through my role as an Outreach Programs Manager at the Tampa Museum of Art (TMA).
I first hosted the AYA program staff at the museum for a sample session of our Art Space program, an art therapy-informed program that involves art viewing and artmaking. After seeing the program in action, AYA staff felt the Art Space program would be a great fit for the young adult patients at Moffitt. I later facilitated an artmaking experience for the AYA patients at Moffitt and welcomed them to TMA for a tour and hands-on artmaking session.
Working with this group was meaningful and rewarding. Little did I know how important this connection would be. Later that year, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had a large mass in my abdomen, and I required major surgery a week after the mass was found.
After recovering from surgery, I went to Moffitt for continued care and chemotherapy. It was a scary and isolating time, and I felt that I would benefit from support from others my age who had gone through cancer treatment. I immediately thought of the AYA group and contacted Stephanie about attending an AYA dinner.
I attended my first AYA dinner with my husband and felt welcomed and supported. I received great advice from peers and I felt encouraged seeing so many young adults thriving after treatment. I continued to attend AYA events throughout my treatment.
After having such a great experience, I wanted to give back, so I decided to become an AYA ambassador. I hope to provide other AYAs with the support and encouragement that I received during a very difficult time in my life.
Although I have completed treatment, my life has changed, and I still experience challenges. I am very thankful to have this amazing community to lift my spirits and keep me going.
If you are a patient between the ages of 15-39 and are interested in learning more about Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult program, visit Moffitt.org/AYA for more information.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.
