About Ovacome

Sarah Dickinson

Ovacome was founded by Sarah Dickinson in 1996

My interest in ovarian cancer grew stronger as my disease progressed. The more treatment and surgery I underwent, the more I needed to get my hands on the right information. This proved very difficult, and I gradually realised what a 'silent' disease this is. There is research going on, but it's fairly unpublicised. More importantly I could find no support group to provide me with the information and the contact with others that I needed.

So, I decided to 'do my bit' to raise awareness. I wrote my story, and it was published in the February '96 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. The story concentrated on the effect of my cancer on my small family, particularly the implications for my three year old daughter and her likely future without a mother. The article obviously touched a nerve, and I was overwhelmed by the response, from sufferers, families and friends of sufferers, health professionals, well wishers and the media. I rewrote the article for the Mirror Woman; Michèle and I appeared on BBC 1's Good Morning programme; and I also appeared on Sky One.

OVACOME is the result of my little campaign, and I can only hope that it will be a success, because the letters I received show that it is needed. I know that I have benefited tremendously by hearing from women who are going through a similar experience, and I was inspired to speak to women who have survived.

I want to give this chance to others.

Sarah Dickinson, founder of Ovacome

A Mother's Perspective - My Gifts to Michèle

In Spring 1997, Sarah wrote this article for the Ovacome Newsletter

Over the last couple of years I have put together a treasure box of memories and special gifts for Michèle. If my disease take its predicted path and I die young, I will be sure that I have left Michèle a message of love. She will know that I loved her with all my heart, that I cared so much and would have stayed to be with her if only I could.

Putting things together is incredibly hard. It seems like a failure, an admission of defeat, even to begin. And yet, I am lucky to have had so much time to prepare.

Michèle is only four years old. Her memories of me will be vague. My first gift to her is a journal, full of memories, thoughts, feelings, the progress of my disease, tales of her childhood and mine. I have tried to give her an impression of the person I am.

My second gift is a photo album. It is a record of my family and my husband's, our parents and grandparents. It shows that we were once children too, and that life continues. My spirit will live on through Michèle and through her children.

Just now I am working on the next set of gifts. It has taken me a long time to build up the emotional strength to do this. I have bought birthday presents and cards for Michèle's 12th, 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays.

Next I want to put into the box some momentoes such as her baby clothes and shoes, books that mean a lot to me, and special jewellery.

Such is my box of gifts for Michèle. I know she will treasure them, and I will not be forgotten.

During the past two years, Michèle and I have talked a lot about illness and death. I cannot hide my disease and believe she is better able to cope because both Adrian and I are open and truthful with her. For example, she was very upset when I told her I would lose my hair, but when it finally dropped out, she was fine because she was prepared. She is not afraid to ask questions if something is troubling her, and has developed compassion and understanding far beyond her years.

Michèle has a child's simple trust in God and Heaven. She knows she will miss me terribly when I die, but that Daddy will be there for her and they will look after each other. Together, they will remember me. To be with me, she will close her eyes and imagine me. Michèle is too young to fully understand the finality of death, but she is grappling valiantly with the concept, and her understanding continues to grow.

Around the home we have a selection of books that deal with grief and death. Michèle occasionally chooses these to read. They act as a trigger for discussion, making a good starting point for her to ask questions.

For now, and for as long as possible, I try to give Michèle a normal, happy, family life. This is her base for the future.

Sarah Dickinson