Imagine you're going about your day, minding your own business, when someone sneaks up behind you...

You feel something press up against the back of your head, as someone whispers in your ear. "Sssshhhhh.... don't turn around. Just listen. I am holding a gun against the back of your head. I'm going to keep it there. I'm going to follow you around like this every day, for the rest of your life."

"I'm going to press a bit harder, every so often, just to remind you I'm here, but you need to try your best to ignore me, to move on with your life. Act like I'm not here, but don't you ever forget... one day I may just pull the trigger... or maybe I won't. Isn't this going to be a fun game?"

This is what it is like to be diagnosed with cancer. Any STAGE of cancer. Any KIND of cancer. Remission does not change the constant fear. It never truly goes away. It's always in the back of your mind.

Hi. My name is April and 13 years ago I heard the words: You have cancer.

But, Still I Rise.

I’ve endured 3 grueling rounds of inpatient chemotherapy.

But, Still I Rise.

I’ve survived 5 major surgeries and 5 minor surgeries including an emergency surgery to stop an internal bleed.

But, Still I Rise.

I’ve taken 6 different types of medications to try to combat this disease.

But, Still I Rise.

I’ve suffered the loss of many friends, family and loved ones to this dreaded illness.

But, Still I Rise.

I’ve been through pain, I’ve suffered and I’ve cried. This journey has been hard, I will not lie. But I’ll keep fighting and I won’t give up, do you know why?

Because still, like dust, I’ll Rise.

On February 8, 2013 my life was forever changed by hearing the words, “You have cancer.” Since my diagnosis of Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary 13 years ago I have been riding the waves, I’ve had ups and downs, good and bad days, triumphs and disappointments as well as fear, anger and hope. But I am still here because through it all I have chosen to live and to fight.  The type of ovarian cancer I have is very rare – it makes up about 1-2% of all ovarian cancers.  Because of this there is very little research and no proven treatment or cure.  So I have had to become my own expert and research scientist at times.  I’ve had to become my own best advocate.  I’ve had to fight and stand up for myself and my fellow GCT sisters.  Because of this, I have been able to find the best care team to work WITH me through this illness.  This disease has given me a platform to reach out and help, support and educate others and encourage them to listen to their bodies, make their voices heard and be their own best advocate for their own health.

Please join our team in the fight against gynecologic cancers - diseases that will affect 1 in 25 women in their lifetime. Every step we take at the Johns Hopkins Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K directly funds life-saving research and world-class cancer care at Johns Hopkins.

More than 113,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers each year, yet these diseases receive less research funding than other major cancers. Your participation and donations help change that reality by supporting groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and comprehensive care that's already improving survival rates.

Together, we're not just raising funds - we're raising hope and creating real change in women's cancer care.