Help Us Fund This Film
Educating women about ovarian cancer is key to preventing this disease. This film can save lives, so please consider a tax deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor From The Heart Productions. They believe this is an important documentary and fully support our film. Donations can be made by check or through the donate buttons on the website. Thank you for your support!
About The Film
Hi, I'm Yvonne Montoya and I'm an independent filmmaker. In March 2019, my world literally came crashing to a halt when I was rear-ended in a car accident near where I live. I was rushed to the hospital where after numerous tests and examinations, a doctor discovered a mass on my right ovary. I was eventually diagnosed with stage 1C endometrioid ovarian cancer. The same cancer my mother passed away from in 1998.
I decided to make this film because at least 70% of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at advanced stages, leading to a 70 to 90% of recurrence. The survival rates for ovarian cancer are much lower than other cancers that affect women. The relative five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is only 48% percent.
Along with my own story of battling ovarian cancer, I share the stories of three amazing women and their battles with the disease. I interview doctors, researchers and others dedicated to helping educate and empower women to take control of their health to eradicate this disease.
Join our community below and help us spread the word about prevention and early detection of this disease!
Also Featured in the Film
Marnie Kozielski
Marnie Kozielski lives in upstate New York. She is a retired Spanish teacher and sings in the rock band, Marnie Kay and The Nonblonds.
She was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4b Low Grade Serous Carcinoma in November 2019.
Amanda Norejko
Amanda Norejko lives in New York City and works as a Family Court Support Magistrate. She previously provided free legal services to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
She was diagnosed with Stage 3 High Grade Serous Carcinoma in February 2019.
Cathy Cochrane
Cathy Cochrane lives in Olympia, Washington and is a writer and editor who worked for a state agency in Washington that was working to clean up Pudget Sound.
She was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in April in 2019.
-
Ellen Engle
Ellen lives in Washington, DC and was diagnosed stage 4 ovarian cancer. She had one recurrence after a year and after trying different medications she started taking Optivo, which has kept her in remission.
-
Sharon Tasman
Sharon lives in Washington, DC and was diagnosed stage 4 cancer when she was in high school. After surgery and many rounds of chemo she is over 35 years cancer free.
-
Terri Wildfeuer Lambert
Terri lives in Minnesota and was diagnosed with stage 4b HGS BRACA negative ovarian cancer in November of 2019. She is over three years in remission.
We are a PBS Supported Documentary
We are excited to announce we have received a letter of support from WGTE PBS in Toledo.
Ray Miller, Director of Content and Creative Services said of the film:
"Driven through the loss of your mom and your diagnosis, this film will empower women to take control of their health and eradicate this disease.... The film gives unique and critical information about prevention and early detection that can save lives."
Contact us.
Submit Your Story!
We are starting a page on the website for personal stories of women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the past and are in remission or are still battling the disease today. In particular, we’d like to know what symptoms you experienced and how you were eventually diagnosed and we would like to know about you - your family, hobbies, career - and how ovarian cancer had effected you life. Also if you have any questions about anything related to the film, please let us know. You can fill out the form or email us at missdiagnosedoc@gmail.com. Thank you!
“As soon as healing takes place, go out and heal someone else.”
— Maya Angelou
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6059720557458154a76bc123/ee23adea-ff56-4afd-afa7-1f1e290ed5ac/GettyImages-589962566.jpg)