“When you are initially diagnosed with cancer, your first thought is survival. Your doctors work so hard to save your life that sometimes they forget you are also someone’s lover. My doctors were my first line of defense and were the ones that made the difference in my recovery. I looked up to them and they answered my questions, but sometimes they didn’t understand what I was going through on a day-to-day basis within my relationship.

As I was going through the various treatments and numerous surgeries, I realized that I was beginning a new life. However, I felt that no one had warned me about what was going to happen during the months and even years to come. Had I known before my first treatment that it would be the last time I was going to experience intimacy with my husband as we had for so many wonderful years, it would have been invaluable information for us both.

Thanks to Pure Romance and the Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health, I feel like I have been truly blessed. I work for a company that has supported me through my battle with cancer. I am amazed that they’ve started a nonprofit organization that has helped me, is helping so many other women, and hopes to help thousands more to rediscover their intimate selves. I don’t know where I would be today if I hadn’t had the resources that The Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health was able to provide for me. I knew I could ask any question and they would find the answers that were right for me. The resources and solutions they provided regarding my intimacy-related side effects have made a world of difference in my relationship with my husband. It is almost like we are newlyweds again! All women will go through some of the issues I faced, whether they are experiencing natural or induced menopause. I have even gotten my doctors and my healthcare team involved in the Foundation’s mission.

I was once told that a person had to have passion about what they believed in to truly make a difference. I believe that to be true! I’m passionate about The Patty Brisben Foundation and what they have done for me and the many women like me.”