Sisterhood of the traveling ovaries.

Brittany and her daughter Emerson in the hospital.

Last year, one of my best high school friends, Brittany Peltola, told our group of girls that she was pregnant. We were all SO excited for her. She was 29-years-old, married to the guy of her dreams, had purchased a home in the Twin Cities, and life couldn't be going any better for her. At just six weeks into her pregnancy, Brittany had an ultrasound so she could see the baby's heartbeat. Yes, she got to see the baby's strong heartbeat, but the doctors also found something of concern... multiple cysts on her left ovary.

Me, Brittany, and our daughters at Emerson's Baptism in June 2012.

At about 16 weeks pregnant, Brittany underwent surgery to have the cysts removed. What they found in her ovary was a tumor... a cancerous tumor. At less than 20 weeks pregnant, Brittany had not only undergone surgery, but she now had to decide if she would undergo chemotherapy during her pregnancy.

Emerson in the hospital.

Brittany was diagnosed with an Immature Teratoma and made the decision to fight her cancer while pregnant with her first baby... a girl (they found out the baby's gender shortly after her diagnosis). Because of the chemo, Brittany lost all of her hair. But what she didn't lose was her determination to fight Ovarian Cancer and win! She continued working full-time, completed Baby Peltola's nursery with the help of her husband, and even found time for a social life. If anyone can do it all, even while fighting cancer, it's Brittany.

Brittany and tiny Emerson Victoria.

At just 31 weeks pregnant, Brittany underwent an emergency C-section and delivered a 3 lb. 2 oz. baby girl named Emerson Victoria. Baby Emerson spent weeks in the hospital, but in April, Brittany and her husband Max got to bring Emerson home. Today, little Emerson is a beautiful, happy, healthy, 8 lb. 10 oz. perfect baby girl (she literally looks like a doll)!

Supporting the fight against Ovarian Cancer is something that Brittany is very passionate about. This September, her family and friends are participating in the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance "Silent No More" Walk & Run for Ovarian Cancer. My husband, daughter and I are thrilled to be on Brittany & Emerson's team called the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Ovaries".

Perfect little Emerson.

I know times are tight for so many of us, but I am hoping to raise at least $1,000 to go toward the fight against Ovarian Cancer. No donation is too small. Even if you can give $5, you're helping us reach our goal. In 12 years, MOCA has awarded more than $3 million to 50 ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota, thanks in a large part to the success of the Annual Silent No More Walk/Run.
If you're able to donate, please visit the my DONATION PAGE and make a donation in honor of Brittany and Emerson. If you'd like to particiapte in the walk/run, join us on Saturday, September 8th at Rosland Park in Edina!

Check out Brittany's personal blog.

Check out more information on the 13th Annual Silent No More Walk/Run.