Violet Chaffinch with her daughters Morgan, Alyxis and Emily.By June Mathews
In 2016, Violet Chaffinch of Hoover was stunned to learn that some physical changes she had attributed to menopause were symptoms of ovarian cancer.
But thanks to a doctor who asked the right questions and ordered the appropriate tests, Chaffinch promptly went through a course of effective treatment.
“I spent several weeks on an emotional roller coaster,” she said, “but cancer has a way of maturing your faith. I could not have gotten through this without the good Lord. My anxiety was replaced by peace.”
With the support and prayers of family, friends and even some people she didn’t know, Chaffinch fought the battle and won six years of remission. The cancer returned last year, but it was caught early during a routine exam and shot down with 6 rounds of chemo.
Chaffinch is cancer-free today.
Throughout her journey to the present, the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation and its CanSurvive support group have been by her side.
“I began attending two weeks after my diagnosis and continue to this day,” Chaffinch said. “It was so encouraging to see survivors five to 20-plus years out. They blessed me with support, courage and hope. I began to make something positive out of this.”
As a runner, she felt a nudge from God when she learned about the Head Over Teal race to benefit gynecological cancer.
“I had been a runner for 10-plus years, so it was perfect,” she said, “and formation of my team, Vi’s Cheery O’s, began.”
Awareness Is Key
The foundation’s State of Teal Awareness Campaign kicked off Sept. 1 and continues throughout the month.
“September is an impactful month for the foundation as we continue our awareness efforts throughout the community,” said foundation Executive Director Ramona Graffeo. “With no early detection testing or screening for four of the five gynecologic cancers, providing early detection signs and symptoms for these cancers is so important to women of all ages and a huge of part of our mission here at LCBF.”
On Sept. 23, the 14th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K will return to Hoover Preserve’s Town Hall. In addition to the races, the event will include food, live music, family-friendly games, face painting and crazy hair. Pets are welcome.
Participants may raise funds individually or as a team. Lead race times will be eligible for a Trak Shak gift card. Register online at thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal.
Proceeds from the event will help fund early detection research, GYN cancer awareness campaigns and financial support services for patients and their families.
Social media engagement is encouraged using the hashtag #headoverteal.
“I’ll be running this year’s race and, hopefully, many more,” said Chaffinch. “Until there is a diagnostic test and better treatments. Until there is a cure.”
English (US)