Amy Stein Harvey
My cousin Amy Stein Harvey passed away after living with ovarian cancer for 7 years. She was diagnosed at Stage III C and was told she would likely die within 3 years. Not only did she "beat the odds" in addition to holding down a job and raising kids, Amy become a powerful advocate for cancer research and for legislation requiring new oral cancer drugs to have the same cost sharing as injectible. She lived in Michigan, still one of only 8 states that have refused to enact oral parity. Three days before she died, her friends and supporters participated in a walk in support of oral parity and research. Amy's Army, as they call themselves will continue her fight.
Her last post on Facebook (see below) is beyond inspirational. She teaches us that the source of our urge to live longer is the desire to love and deepen our capacity to love.
Amy, we will complete the mission you started. We miss you and will always love you. Give my mom a kiss for me...
"Today marks another milestone for me. Today is my 7 year cancerversary! I have been fighting this awful disease for 7 long years. Some days are better than others, but I know that the next day things will turn around. They say that women diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer don't have a good survival rate. Well, take that stupid cancer. I have beaten the odds!! This past year has had more downs than ups, but I am hopefully on the right track now. I have gone to Washington DC and Lansing to let my voice be heard and put a face to a stastic, I have taken a fabulous cruise to Alaska, and I was able to see Benjamin finish elementary school. Cancer, you listen to me... you're never going to get me down! I am a fighter from the word go and I am going to win this war!!! So, I want to thank everyone for all they have done for our family and most importantly standing next to me in the fight of my life!!!"