Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva

Have you ever wanted to discover your “inner diva”?  Shannon Routh did just that when she was diagnosed in September 2009 with ovarian cancer.  Instead of letting the disease get the best of her, she chose to create a support organization for women in their 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s.  Only days after her diagnosis Teal Diva was born.  “Ovarian Cancer is more common in women over 60,” Shannon says.  “Not a lot of info for a young woman diagnosed or a young couple (is available).  An avenue for people to share is so therapeutic.  (I wanted to) give back to the local non-profits that you don’t hear about, the non-profits that exist solely off of prayer.”

Her inspiration came from the fact that few support groups targeted she and her husband J.J.’s age range.  As Shannon puts it, “I wanted to be a voice for ovarian cancer.  My husband and I could not find information that pertained to our age group and what was going on with us.  We wanted to relate to other people.”  The organization’s snazzy name “Teal Diva” was formed by both Shannon and her husband.  “So many cancer non-profits are named after someone else (who maybe passed on).  We wanted our name to celebrate those living, and celebrate the memory of those that moved on.  When I think of Teal Diva, I think of every woman that has been affected by this disease.”  Shannon has now spoken publicly three times on behalf of Teal Diva.

My sorority was privileged enough to have her as our guest speaker at our annual Ovarian Cancer Walk.  Shannon’s story always touches me, whether I hear it from her through writing, during a speaking event, or my favorite, during a personal conversation.  You, too, can hear her story; she enjoys speaking and would be happy to have you contact her.  Shannon is one of the most inspirational women I know, and my hope for her is that her dream of one day “painting the world teal” becomes reality.  “I want someone to think of the color teal and think ‘ovarian cancer,’ in the same way we see the color pink.  I want as much emphasis to be put on ovarian cancer as cervical cancer and breast cancer.  I put Teal Diva solely in God’s hands.  I hope to go where God leads me.”

Curious to know more about ovarian cancer?  Know the facts!  Check out my recent post:

“Silencing the ‘Silent Killer’.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Her passion for ovarian cancer awareness only amplifes her support for Teal Diva.  It is an emerging organization that has grown near and dear to her heart, and she looks forward to seeing the impact it makes on lives for years to come.