Ovarian Cancer: Kimberly's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Kimberly Richardson was training for a marathon in 2013 when unusual fatigue and a small amount of bleeding after menopause prompted her to see a gynecologist. Ultrasound imaging suggested an ovarian cyst, and surgery was planned to remove it. Kimberly even ran a race the day before the operation, expecting the procedure to solve a relatively minor problem. After surgery, however, she learned that the “cyst” was a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. The diagnosis changed how she thought about every follow-up. Because this type of ovarian cancer can recur, she was monitored with tumor-marker tests every 90 days and CT scans when needed. Kimberly described life between checkups and the uncertainty of knowing that a finding of no evidence of disease could change with the next test. She continued to run, completing the Chicago Marathon and then a 50-kilometer ultra-marathon. Running became part of how she maintained discipline and perseverance after cancer. By age 56 she had stepped away from her most demanding races, but she remained focused on staying ahead of the disease and using advocacy to encourage other people affected by cancer.