Nine and a half years ago I had a giant surgery, which is often referred to as "mother of all surgeries" (moas). During my 14 hour surgery, Dr Sardi removed numerous abdominal organs, and the cancer that had spread throughout my abdomen. After a two month recovery, I finally felt well enough to look after my two children. With a less experienced surgeon, I would be looking at a very different life right now. Dr Sardi and his team continue to make advances in researching the use of hipec to treat several types of cancer, including appendix cancer. 

This September, we will participate in the 15th annual "Heat It To Beat It" event, and you can be a part of it by making a donation on our team fundraising page! This event was launched in 2009 to raise awareness and funds for research for a unique surgery and treatment of abdominal cancers. 

I hope you will consider donating or participating with my family! Over the years we've met amazing people who have had the same experience as me. I look forward to this event each year, and would love to have more people with us! 

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy ( HIPEC) is a highly effective, concentrated, heated chemotherapy that is delivered directly to cancer cells in the abdomen – this cancer is known as peritoneal carcinomatosis ( PC). The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy is one of only a handful of medical institutions in the country that offer this treatment and is dedicating extensive research to the use of HIPEC in the fight against this rare form of cancer of the abdomen and organs within the abdominal cavity as well as treating ovarian cancer.

“Heat It To Beat It” refers to the use of the heated chemotherapy which we’ve all learned is essential in beating this type of cancer! The walk is our vehicle to raise awareness and the necessary funds to continue the research that brings us this life saving treatment.

I hope you will consider supporting me and this important cause by joining my team, registering to participate, or making a donation!

Your support is appreciated!