Anne Rita Monahan Recognized as a Woman of Courage
In addition to a $500.00 donation, the Soroptimist International of the Kachinas Club in Glendale, Arizona honored Anne Rita Monhan with the Renie Branham Woman of Courage Award on May 18, 2010.
This annual award pays tribute to a woman who is, or has been, an active member of our community, and:
- demonstrated remarkable acts of courage when confronted with adversity - either personal or in connection with others;
- served as a role model to her family, friends, co-workers or community-at-large by her selfless fortitude in striving to overcome the challenges thrust upon her;
- made a difference in the lives of others, especially women and girls, by her steadfast commitment to all facets of her regular daily routine while continuing to battle obstacles and difficulties; and,
- acted as a beacon of light to those who experienced the privilege of being touched, inspired and/or enriched by this valiant Woman of Courage.
"Something happens to us when we witness someone's courage. They may not know we're watching but something happens to us that will last a lifetime. It fills us when we're empty and rocks us when we're low; it gives us hope and strength to begin anew." - Renie Branham Woman of Courage Award Inscription
On September 1, 2007, the Anne Rita Monahan Foundation was established by its namesake, a heroic ovarian cancer fighter, to "ARM" women in the fight against this terrible disease. Sadly, Anne lost her battle on May 13, 2009, but her vision to educate women on the warning signs of ovarian cancer lives on with her Foundation.
Because the disease is often difficult to detect, The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation is dedicated to educating and raising awareness of these signs and symptoms so that early detection will increase and instances of misdiagnosis will decrease. The Foundation also raises finances to help fund the discovery of an effective, reliable screening tool that will help detect this type of cancer early and give women the best opportunity for full remission.
The ARM Foundation marches towards its mission to eradicate ovarian cancer through outreach and educational programs to both the public and the medical community.
COMMON SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER:
• Difficulty with eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms “urgency or frequency”
• Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs
• A swollen or bloated abdomen
LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS:
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
• Excessive fatigue continually
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, bleeding after menopause)
WHAT TO DO:
Women who experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their gynecologist. They should also ask their doctor about the CA-125 blood test and ask to explore ultrasound options.
