Elisa’s Story

I am writing to offer my wholehearted support of Vancouver Coast Health’s Hereditary Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Clinic. 

I have the misfortune to carry the BRCA2 gene and have undergone prophylactic risk-reducing procedures in an attempt to ward off the often fatal complications that go along with this condition. As a result of some of these procedures, I have, for years, suffered debilitating post menopausal symptoms that have detrimentally affected by work as an Emergency RN, my home life as a farmer and professional equestrian and my enjoyment of a wide variety of other sports and activities. My sleep patterns have been severely disrupted by these symptoms. To summarize, my quality of life has been deeply disturbed by the symptoms I suffer from. 

Dr. Dawson and her team at the Survivorship Clinic have provided me with an incredible service in dealing with this situation. Dr. Dawson’s collaborative, respectful and thorough approach takes into consideration one’s lifestyle, goals, and long and short term plans. She worked in partnership with me to develop treatment plans based on the most current and up-to-date research. The plans are practical, and when the need arose, she worked with me to amend those plans until our treatment goals were met. 

In short, this program has given me my life back again. I now have the joy of solid nights of sleep, greatly reduced anxiety, increased energy and a freedom from relentless and continuous hot flashes I used to suffer from day and night. I have more stamina at work and at home and my entire outlook on life has turned around since becoming part of this valuable and very much-needed program. 

I encourage you to support Dr. Dawson and her team in any manner you can. She is providing a service that is truly transformative to women living with the complications of hereditary gynecologic cancers. Please help her to continue this vital work. 

Yours truly

Elisa Marochi

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