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Erna Lewis
Erna Lewis is in the fight of her life but she is not just fighting for her life. She is fighting to save women who in the future may be diagnosed with this disease. The 48-year-old grandmother is battling advanced ovarian cancer using every treatment option, clinical trial and support system at her disposal.
The resident of Greece, New York is participating in a clinical study at Roswell Park that uses the body's own immune system combined with chemotherapy to fight the disease. It's called hyperthermia. Erna's body temperature is elevated to that of a fever before the chemotherapy is delivered. The study will determine if an elevated body temperature increases the effectiveness of the medications.
"Clinical trials give patients like me who have few treatment options another possible therapy. It may help to keep my cancer away longer and it may help future ovarian cancer patients," Erna notes. This determined woman is fighting more than her own battle against cancer. She is battling for all the women who have yet to be diagnosed with this disease. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all the female cancers, mostly because it produces few early warning signs and is often detected late when it has already spread to other parts of the body.
Erna has dedicated herself to ovarian cancer awareness. She and members of her church are making cancer bracelets, selling them and donating the proceeds to create comfort bags to give to newly diagnosed patients. Each package contains information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The project which began with a few bracelets shared among friends has now become a thriving enterprise.
"It is just wonderful how the bracelets have caught on. This is my purpose now. My mission is to tell everyone about this disease, encourage them to talk to their doctors about the vague symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pressure and fatigue. I feel better just knowing that I may be helping others."
Erna says she stays positive even though she knows her cancer may not be cured. "My daughter, Shannon, and my husband, Scott, are my rocks. They help me through the tough days and encourage me always to continue the struggle."
Erna's message of hope for the holidays: "When God closes a door, he opens a window. Use the challenges given you in life to make a positive contribution to others. It can be your lasting legacy, no matter the outcome of your private confrontation with cancer."
The resident of Greece, New York is participating in a clinical study at Roswell Park that uses the body's own immune system combined with chemotherapy to fight the disease. It's called hyperthermia. Erna's body temperature is elevated to that of a fever before the chemotherapy is delivered. The study will determine if an elevated body temperature increases the effectiveness of the medications.
"Clinical trials give patients like me who have few treatment options another possible therapy. It may help to keep my cancer away longer and it may help future ovarian cancer patients," Erna notes. This determined woman is fighting more than her own battle against cancer. She is battling for all the women who have yet to be diagnosed with this disease. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all the female cancers, mostly because it produces few early warning signs and is often detected late when it has already spread to other parts of the body.
Erna has dedicated herself to ovarian cancer awareness. She and members of her church are making cancer bracelets, selling them and donating the proceeds to create comfort bags to give to newly diagnosed patients. Each package contains information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The project which began with a few bracelets shared among friends has now become a thriving enterprise.
"It is just wonderful how the bracelets have caught on. This is my purpose now. My mission is to tell everyone about this disease, encourage them to talk to their doctors about the vague symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pressure and fatigue. I feel better just knowing that I may be helping others."
Erna says she stays positive even though she knows her cancer may not be cured. "My daughter, Shannon, and my husband, Scott, are my rocks. They help me through the tough days and encourage me always to continue the struggle."
Erna's message of hope for the holidays: "When God closes a door, he opens a window. Use the challenges given you in life to make a positive contribution to others. It can be your lasting legacy, no matter the outcome of your private confrontation with cancer."
