This year I will celebrate my 13th anniversary of being cancer-free. What better way to acknowledge this milestone than particapating in my fourth PMC? Below is my story. Please consider donating and help me reach this year's goal!

My story begins with my father being diagnosed with brain cancer during my senior year of high school. The next few months saw endless treatments with harsh side effects. Despite all efforts, including a visit to Dana Farber, he lost his battle at the young age of 47. My father was a bright light that was extinguished way too early. I remember feeling so helpless and angry that there was nothing we could do to stop this devastating disease.

Fast forward several years and I am now newly married (to the most amazing hubby I might add!). We had just bought our first house and were thinking towards the future and possibly starting a family. In the fall of 2004 I started to not feel well. I will save you all the details but after a few months of doctor visits and ultimately a surgery, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Um, what? I was 30 years old and had always been relatively healthy. How was this possible?

I will never forget my first visit to Dana Farber. I remember being overwhelmed and scared. When I received my patient ID I was still in disbelief. Was this really happening? But then I met with my wonderful doctor (Dr. Ursula Matulonis) and we developed the treatment plan. My treatments were tough but they were made easier by the wonderful staff at Dana Farber and especially my chemo nurse Whitney. I also had the most amazing support from my family (love you Mark and Mom!), friends, and neighbors. From hugs, to rides to chemo, to meals - they provided me with what I needed. I got through the rough times and started the long recovery back to normal. With the help of a new attitude and outlook on life, changes in diet and exercise, and alternative therapies like acupuncture, I was able to put these horrible events behind me.

Since then, I have time and time again had to see cancer affect and in some cases take friends and acquaintances too early. I have seen others need to endure the difficult treatments and the emotional roller coasters that come with a cancer diagnosis. ENOUGH!!!

I am one of the lucky ones. I feel stronger than ever and I am proud to be a supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. I ride for my father, myself, my friends and for all those affected by cancer. Please join me by donating here. If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly at:

Eve Schluter

10 Chandler Street

Maynard, MA 01754

THANK YOU!!