Why become an OVERRUN Ambassador?
You would like to be more involved with The OVERRUN, but you need to do so with some flexibility!
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What are the requirements/suggestions?
1. Inspire people to attend the OVERRUN 5K Run/Walk or 1 Mile Teal Trail Walk, create
their own team, and fundraiser!
2. Share your OVERRUN experience with the people you know on social media or in your
community
3. Follow and interact with The OVERRUN on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
4. Tag @Overrun5k in social media posts when relevant and use specific hashtags when
applicable
5. Post your OVERRUN Ambassador status in your social media bio
6. Wear The OVERRUN logo when training, running, walking, or just around town
7. Help us distribute OVERRUN marketing materials & yard signs in your neighborhood
8. Create your own online fundraiser when registering for the race
9. Create your own in-person fundraising event in honor or memory of your Hero- we will help you!!
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What are the perks?
1. Membership to the incredible community of OVERRUN supporters
2. Ambassador exclusive giveaways, promotions and drawings
3. In-person ambassador exclusive meet-ups and events
4. Exposure and reposting of your #Overrun5k posts via @Overrun5k social media
5. Free entry into The OVERRUN 5k/1 Mile Event
6. Participate in OVERRUN meet-ups, fundraisers, and other fun opportunities!
7. Know that you are doing your part to support the fight against ovarian cancer
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OVERRUN AMBASSADOR:
MANDY GRIFFIN
“My mom, Julie Helms, passed in January 2021 from ovarian cancer. My mom was an amazing woman who was the best cook, quilter, crafter, scrapbooker, advice-giver, and friend amongst a plethora of other things.
As I’m sure it was for everyone else, 2020 was a whirlwind of a year for our family. At the end of 2019 and early 2020, my mom had pretty intense bloating, bowel issues, and was feeling full very, very quickly after eating. After a couple months she saw a doctor and was then diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2020.
Unfortunately the cancer was so far progressed that a surgery and different chemotherapies just didn’t work despite how hard my mom was fighting.
After she died, I felt like I needed a new purpose and that people just have to know the symptoms because they can be so quiet and sneak up on us. This is how I found OVERRUN. I miss my mom everyday, and I hope that if we make enough noise no one else will lose their mom to ovarian cancer.”
OVERRUN AMBASSADOR:
CYNTHIA PERKINS
“First time I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer was in 1991 after I went for a yearly exam. A few weeks after I received a call from OB/GYN office stating that they need to complete a Biopsy. My initial thought was unsettling to say the least. Go in for biopsy, which they had to take tissue from ovaries by completing a procedure called laparoscopy.
Had to wait for results which back then it took approximately 2 weeks (which felt like 2 months). When results came back, I was advised it was positive and it was stage 1. They explained the stages and provided me with my options. I chose Radiation. Afterwards, follow-up is to have a physical exam and pelvic exam every two to four months after treatment.
Then the second time I found out I had ovarian cancer it started in 2009, started to have some symptoms that were unusual for me- I was experiencing pelvic & abdominal pain- clotting during my menstrual cycle. Also notice other things that were unusual for me like pain during sex and constipation. Went to several doctors that continue to tell me it was normal and symptoms would go away.
It was about a year later when the symptoms returned stronger.
Through having a conversation with my supervisor (it was affecting my work performance/attendance) who referred me Dr. Shalaunda Grey who listen and reviewed my records that was forward to her and some I brought with me.
Ladies, she believed me which made me cry of happiness that I finally found someone who sincerely cared. After further testing I ended up having ovarian cancer for the SECOND time which resulted in a Total Hysterectomy. I was shocked and devasted but I stayed positive and hopeful.
After an emotional roller coaster that lasted for about a year following my surgery. I now feel more like my old self and I’ve come to accept that while some things in life are in my control; some are not.
Because of what I went through, I would like to tell other women to pay attention to their bodies.
Ladies, bottom line is even if an OB/GYN doctor tells you one thing with you knowing your body get a second/third opinion until someone listens, please don’t dismiss your symptoms.”
OVERRUN AMBASSADOR:
KATIE MARTINOVIC
“I lost my mom to ovarian cancer 17 years ago. She was a nurse and believed in being an advocate for your own health. That is why I choose to be an OVERRUN ambassador and help raise awareness of the symptoms and raise funds for research. Until there's a test, awareness is best!
My mom, Mary T Meyer, died in 2003 at the young age of 45 the same week I graduated from college. My mom was a cheerleader so we walk, run, and shout about ovarian cancer in her memory!
The best story I have about how important ovarian cancer awareness is that a few years ago, one of my college professors contacted me thanking me for my efforts. She knew my mom's story and pressed her doctors for more tests. She had stage 1 ovarian cancer and did not require additional treatments beyond surgery. That was the best feeling and story of hope!”
“I do this for my mom. The strongest woman I know. Early on in her battle with ovarian cancer she came across the OVERRUN and it was the perfect way for her to fight back. Being a group fitness instructor, doing anything involving exercise made her extremely happy. She wanted to make a difference and her goal was that someday when a doctor said that you had cancer that they would follow up with “but we can fix that”. She started Team Leta in 2014 and her strength and grace throughout her battle inspired everyone around her and brought so many supporters to the team. And even though her fight is over now we continue to fight for her and all women and families affected by this cancer. We hope to see her dream become reality some day
OVERRUN AMBASSADOR:
SAM LORENZEN
“My name is Ruthie Reid and I am a wife, mother of two beautiful teenage girls, and an Occupational Therapist. I was pursuing my Masters in Occupational Therapy when I was diagnosed with Stage 1c Ovarian Cancer. I was 33 years old at the time of the diagnosis. However, I had symptoms that were misdiagnosed for about 2 years. A day after I had completed final exams I went to my (new) OBGYN and told her that I knew something was wrong. She ordered labs and scans and within a few days, I received the news that changed my life.
I am thrilled to share that I am 3 years cancer free (November will be my 4 year anniversary). I would like to encourage women to listen to their bodies and to be their own advocates. Get a second, third, or fourth opinion if necessary. No one knows your body better than you do!”
OVERRUN AMBASSADOR:
RUTHIE REID
© 2022 by The OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation