A Celebration of Women™

is elated to Celebrate the Life of this amazing woman that is Taking Action for the benefit of others. Rising above horrific medical conditions, this powerhouse is now using her life experience as a milestone, one of awakening to her own life purpose, the education of women’s gynaecologic health; and the provision of medical services to women, otherwise not available to them.

We are excited to say the she is now here to help the Women of our World !

 

 

WOMAN of ACTION™

 

 

Elizabeth Mc Carthy

 

 

 

In the early Fall of 2006, I went for my usual yearly check-up as I always had for many years. Sadly, unlike the previous years, the many wonderful check-ups before, this was the bomb!

 

‘Detecting a change of tone in my doctor’s voice,

I fought as hard as I could to hold back the tears!’

 

Not only did I find out I had a 12.7 pound tumor on my left ovary, I was told that an emergency hysterectomy was eminent!

Suddenly my dreams of ever having children had just been shattered, my seemingly almost perfect life was now whirled into a tail-spin.

While in the recovery room, in a bed next to me was a young woman who had just given birth to her first born child.

Although joy filled my heart for her, I felt empty and alone; knowing I could never have a child of my own.

 

Asking myself and God what next, what now and where do I go from here, I realized that I had to do something for all women, not just me!

 

As I began my chemo treatments it gave me the opportunity to meet other women some in my same situation and too, not knowing what to do, or if they could even go on!

It’s now November. I am getting stronger not only physically and mentally, but spiritually, as well. It hits me …

I knew what I had to do!

It’s true, I will never know the joy of motherhood, yet my heart was guided to another kind of ‘birth’, a life purpose.

God gives Birth to many things, not just children; ideas, dreams and the power to make a difference in the world He Himself created!

I began searching for a Pro-Bono Attorney and researching all about establishing a Not for Profit (501c3) for C.A.R.E. for Women Foundation.

(Cancer Awareness & Reproductive Education).

 

A grassroots organization with the sole purpose to raise monies for women everywhere who can’t afford yearly check-ups and establish volunteer support networks for women currently going through cancer treatment related to female reproduction.

Since C.A.R.E.’s conception, we have experienced some most endearing moments!

– Volunteers Kate , Leigh Ann working the sign in table

Gynaecology is typically considered a consultant specialty. In some countries, women must first see a general practitioner (GP; also known as a family practitioner (FP)) prior to seeing a gynaecologist. If their condition requires training, knowledge, surgical procedure, or equipment unavailable to the GP, the patient is then referred to a gynaecologist.

In the United States, however, law and many health insurance plans allow gynaecologists to provide primary care in addition to aspects of their own specialty. With this option available, some women opt to see a gynaecological surgeon for non-gynaecological problems without another physician’s referral.

As in all of medicine, the main tools of diagnosis are clinical history and examination.

Gynaecological examination is quite intimate, more so than a routine physical exam.

It also requires unique instrumentation such as the speculum.

The speculum consists of two hinged blades of concave metal or plastic which are used to retract the tissues of the vagina and permit examination of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus located within the upper portion of the vagina.

Typically, many gynaecologists do a bi-manual examination (one hand on the abdomen and one or two fingers in the vagina) to palpate the cervix, uterus, ovaries and bony pelvis. It is not uncommon to do a rectovaginal examination for complete evaluation of the pelvis, particularly if any suspicious masses are appreciated.

Male gynaecologists may have a female chaperon for their examination.

An abdominal and/or vaginal ultrasound can be used to confirm any abnormalities appreciated with the bimanual examination or when indicated by the patient’s history.

The historic taboo associated with the examination of female genitalia has long inhibited the science of gynaecology.

This 1822 drawing by Jacques-Pierre Maygnier shows a “compromise” procedure, in which the physician is kneeling before the woman but cannot see her genitalia.

Modern gynaecology has shed these inhibitions, as we continue to educate women about reproductive cancers, ie. ovarian, uteran, cervical and vaginal.

 

Yoo Hoo! How’s your Hoo Hoo? Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida

 

 

With support we are proud to say we have helped over 700 women!

Elizabeth McCarthy on far right , with her team of guests and volunteers … Pat Robinson, Bill Robinson, Gina Ducan, Virginia, Jane Caramello McDuffie, Stefan, Victor McDuffie, Kathy Puig, Barry Tracy, Meridith Tracy and Elizabeth – Founder.

 
Currently we are able to help an average of 200 women per year. This being a combined effort from Private Donors, Fund raisers, Golf Tournaments.

Our next huge event is a Masquerade Ball and we encourage and invite everyone from around the world!

Its official !!!

 

C.A.R.E. Masquerade Ball May 11th

Parliament House Orlando 6-11 pm

 

Looking for Ticket Captains;

if you are interested in helping selling tickets/sponsorship, please reach out to us.
 
All Donations to C.A.R.E for Women are tax deductible.

 
Our web site is updated and is under construction adding newly released information.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Women have two ovaries — each about the size and shape of an almond — located on each side of the uterus. Eggs (ova) develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles during your childbearing years.

Many women have ovarian cysts at some time during their lives. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few months.

However, ovarian cysts — especially those that have ruptured — sometimes produce serious symptoms. The best ways to protect your health are to know the symptoms that may signal a more significant problem, and to schedule regular pelvic examinations.

Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages.

They occur most often, however, during a woman’s childbearing years.

Some ovarian cysts cause problems, such as bleeding and pain. Surgery may be required to remove cysts larger than 5 centimeters in diameter.

Some or all of the following symptoms may be present, though it is possible not to experience any symptoms:

• Dull aching, or severe, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent—this is the most common symptom
• Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen
• Breast tenderness
• Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period.
• Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
• Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
• Weight gain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Infertility
• Increased level of hair growth
• Increased facial hair or body hair
• Headaches
• Strange pains in ribs, which feel muscular
• Bloating
• Strange nodules that feel like bruises under the layer of skin

About 95% of ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.

Treatment for cysts depends on the size of the cyst and symptoms.

Pain caused by ovarian cysts may be treated with:

Pain relievers, including acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol or Panadol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), ornarcotic pain medicine (by prescription) may help reduce pelvic pain. NSAIDs usually work best when taken at the first signs of the pain.

A warm bath, or heating pad, or hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen near the ovaries can relax tense muscles and relieve cramping, lessen discomfort, and stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries. Bags of ice covered with towels can be used alternately as cold treatments to increase local circulation.

Combined methods of hormonal contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill – the hormones in the pills may regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of follicles that can turn into cysts, and possibly shrink an existing cyst. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1999c; Mayo Clinic, 2002e)

Also, limiting strenuous activity may reduce the risk of cyst rupture or torsion.

Cysts that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or occur in post-menopausal women, may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated through ultrasonography and laparoscopy, especially in cases where family members have had ovarian cancer. Such cysts may require surgical biopsy. Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumor marker, which is often found in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions resulting in a large number of false positives.

For more serious cases where cysts are large and persisting, doctors may suggest surgery. Some surgeries can be performed to successfully remove the cyst(s) without hurting the ovaries, while others may require removal of one or both ovaries.
C.A.R.E.℠ is a grassroots not-for-profit (501c3) organization, dedicated to helping women with or at risk for reproductive cancers.

When cancer enters our world and we have to give up something that helps define who we are, it can be devastating. Fighting cancer is tough enough , let alone losing a part of you.

 
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

An HPV vaccine may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Symptoms include painful sex, vaginal bleeding, and discharge. Cervical cancer can be prevented … Read More
 

 
At C.A.R.E.℠ we understand the emotional and mental toll cancer has on our body. We understand cancer doesn’t have to take your life and it certainly doesn’t have to take your dignity, pride, or sense of womanhood. We understand and want to help you through this time of your life. We want to help hold your hand, and help you understand you are not alone.

To Establish and maintain support systems for women , family and friends related to reproductive cancers around the United States through the educational resources of clinical and public education on Reproductive Cancer Topics.

Our goal in the near future is to secure a Mobile Medical Bus which will travel to remote rural areas where necessary!

If C.A.R.E can change just one person’s life, then I know in my heart, I’ve followed the path chosen for me!

 
To all Women around the World and the Men who aren’t afraid to Take Action and become the Women/Men of Action™ this World can count on,

I thank you for sharing my story.

 
 
 

A Celebration of Women™

welcomes this wonderful soul into our Alumni of WOMEN of ACTION™ ,

with open arms and look forward to working together for the betterment of all women.

 

 

Brava Elizabeth!