Archive for 'Janice Petrelli'
Cancer survivor speaks to local women’s group
Posted on 29. Mar, 2010 by Creatwood.
Cancer survivor speaks to local women’s group
Janice Petrelli shared her story with Bossom Buddies
Jacksonville, Fla., March 29, 2010: Ovarian cancer survivor Janice Petrelli shared her story with a local women’s cancer survivor group, Bossom Buddies, Monday evening. The group, which is part of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, meets every Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“The worst day of my life was when I lost my hair,” said Petrelli. “It was worse than even finding out that I had cancer, because up until then, I thought that I didn’t really look like a cancer patient. I had recovered really well. The day I lost my hair I looked the part, and that really just pissed me off because it had invaded my body, and I couldn’t control it.”
The other women in the group shared their experiences with cancer as well. Many commented that Janice’s storytelling was refreshing because of her sense of humor about her struggle with cancer and her openness in telling her story.
“I let myself cry one day, but after that, I knew crying about it wasn’t going to make me get better or make my hair grow faster,” said Petrelli. “I got a cute wig, and my ten-year-old nephew said ‘Aunt Janice, you have a nice head’.”
Petrelli is a two-time ovarian cancer survivor. She has made it her mission in life to share her incredible story and spread awareness for the four common symptoms that have given ovarian cancer the nickname “silent killer.”
Petrelli’s positive attitude and outlook on life got her through her battle with cancer, and she has turned her attention to help others cope. She has spoken in front of various support groups and medical associations, and she co-founded “Healing Hands,” a cancer support group for people under the age of 45.
Petrelli is celebrating 2010 – the first year since 2007 that she has started the year being cancer free – by beginning a marathon training plan with her oncologist. They plan to run the New York Marathon together in 2011.
Petrelli is also working on her first book, and she regularly posts to her blog Cancer Squared.
Call (904) 343-0211 or e-mail Jshasteen@creatwoodpr.com if you would Janice to share her story with your organization.
###
Continue Reading
Two-time ovarian cancer survivor finishes River Run
Posted on 13. Mar, 2010 by Creatwood.
Two-time ovarian cancer survivor finishes River Run
Janice Petrelli completed the 15K in two hours
Jacksonville, Fla., March 13, 2010: Two time ovarian cancer survivor Janice Petrelli challenged herself this year by running in the Gate River Run 15K. This year is the first year since 2007 that Janice has not started the year with a major operation or round of chemotherapy. She started running in early January and finished the River Run in two hours.
“I’m so proud of myself for finishing,” said Petrelli. “Seeing all the other runners wearing t-shirts to support causes was such an inspiration.”
Petrelli ran the first three miles of the race with another cancer survivor she met at the starting line. They plan on running next year’s River Run together. Other races Petrelli plans to run in are the Oakleaf 5K and the Long Island Festival of Races 10K in May, as well as next year’s half marathon with Donna Deegan. Read the full story in My Clay Sun.
Janice Petrelli
Petrelli was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on July 3, 2007. After surgery, 18 weeks of chemotherapy, total hair loss and sickness, Petrelli though she had recovered. In May of 2008, she was diagnosed again with cancer, and this time, because of the tumor’s unique location, Petrelli had to endure a complicated operation and another six months of chemo.
Petrelli recovered with a positive attitude and outlook on life, and she now has turned her attention to helping others cope. She has spoken in front of various support groups and medical associations, and she co-founded “Healing Hands,” a cancer support group for people under the age of 45.
She plans to continue spreading awareness by writing her blog, by pursuing a career as a professional speaker to share her story, and by running in races wearing teal – the signature color for ovarian cancer awareness. Petrelli and her oncologist are also training to run in the New York Marathon in 2011.
Learn more about Janice Petrelli on her blog, Cancer Squared.
###