We first connected with Havyn when her mom, Molly, requested
an MOCC Cares package be sent to her. We were a very new organization at
the time and hadn’t come across anyone like Havyn before. You see, Havyn was
just 15 years old and was about to undergo major surgery for mucinous ovarian
cancer.
The Diagnosis and Journey
We learned that Havyn had come home from basketball practice
one Monday afternoon with excruciating pain in her lower abdomen. A trip to
urgent care proved unhelpful in alleviating her pain, so Havyn and her mom headed
to the ER. Blood work and scans soon followed, and Havyn was admitted to the
hospital. Results showed a very large tumor, which was believed to be
malignant, on her ovary.
Within days, Havyn would have a complex surgery to remove her
right ovary, fallopian tube, and omentum. When the biopsy results came back,
the diagnosis was mucinous ovarian cancer. Yes, at just 15 years old.
What those involved in her care soon found out was that Havyn
has a great sense of humor. It led her to name her tumor “Ssam.” Her goal
throughout her surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy was to prevent any of “Ssam’s
siblings” from making an appearance in her life.
Virtual Hugs for Havyn
We were happy to send Havyn the care package Molly had requested,
adapted specifically for someone still in high school. As word about Havyn spread
among our supporters, gifts and cards flowed in. Throughout Havyn’s journey, we
were able to send her multiple care packages and even a special box of get-well
cards created for her by an elementary school class.
Molly faithfully sent photos and updates on Havyn, which we posted
on the MOCC Facebook page. Then came the day we’d been hoping for: Molly and Havyn
forwarded us pictures of Havyn’s end-of-chemo celebration. We were thrilled to
share those, too.
Looking to the Future
Today, we are glad to report that Havyn has been NED (no
evidence of disease) since April 2023. She has graduated from high school and
is hoping to become an oncology nurse. Havyn believes her past experiences will
help her relate to people experiencing their own cancer journeys.
