September, 08, 2012 - The 4th Annual T.E.A.L.. Walk for Ovarian Cancer was held in Prospect Park, marked by torrential rains that rapidly flooded parts of the 5K course, and forced participants and volunteers to seek cover for almost an hour. T.E.A.L., which stands for “Tell Every Amazing Lady “, the Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation, was founded in 2009 by two Flatlands Lions, Louisa M. McGregor and her sister Pamela Esposito-Amery, the organization’s executive director, while Louisa was battling ovarian cancer. She and Pamela wanted to combat the appalling lack of adequate information and frequent misdiagnoses prevalent in ovarian cancer by championing awareness, education and early detection. Although Louisa sadly lost her heroic 4-year battle in March of 2011, the work she and Pamela started continues to grow. Since its inception, T.E.A.L. has promoted ovarian cancer awareness for thousands of women and has raised over $200,000 for research at three annual walks. But on this day, as sheets of rain fell from the sky during the event registration, the future of the 4th Annual T.E.A.L. Walk was in serious doubt.
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The situation quickly deteriorated, as increasingly violent storms began to cause flooding and wind damage through the park. It was only later in the day that reports of two tornadoes touching down only a few miles away were confirmed. With T.E.A.L. organizers and park officials considering cancellation, voices began to emanate from the band shell. The Empire All Female acappella group, clad all in black, had taken center stage and had begun to sing. As their harmonies grew stronger and more powerful, undeterred by the pouring rain, their mood turned joyful, and it quickly spread throughout the crowd. Many walkers had refused to leave, huddling instead under booths that provided little cover from wind borne rain. Others had fled to their cars or had run blocks to take shelter in local Park Slope stores. Some, already soaked to the skin, simply stood in the rain – and waited.
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The people who came to walk were here for loved ones, with memories of battles hard fought, with stories of incredible courage and wrenching loss held dearly in the names pinned to backs and held high on placards. They were ovarian cancer survivors, with stories of victory and the ever present worry of battles yet to fight. Hope and disappointment were currencies well understood by all wearing teal. But today, hope had begun to ebb as the downpours continued without respite or end in sight. It took a simple act of defiance – a dozen rain-streaked faces raised in song – to get it back. Volunteers opened a small pop-up tent on the stage and the young women continued their serenade. What had seemed doubtful just a few moments before – began to feel entirely possible now – “this will pass.” So, when Pamela Esposito-Amery strode onto the stage, megaphone in hand, and announced “the walk will go on as planned!” – she didn’t have to convince anyone to stay. Because no one was leaving now.
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Ellen Karis, “Greek Goddess of Comedy,” helped to emcee and to keep the spirits high. Brielle Von Hugel, American Idol contestant, sang the Star Spangled Banner and the 4th Annual T.E.A.L. Walk was in full swing. Dr. Sapna Parikh and Stacey Sager, ABC’s Medical and News correspondents, turned from guest speakers into cheerleaders, exhorting the crowd to “Tell Every Amazing Lady!” about ovarian cancer. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who had waited out rain to speak, reminded everyone that New Yorkers (esp. Brooklynites) are a tough bunch, and added, “a little weather – we say – fuggedaboutit!” Ovarian cancer survivors, waiting patiently in the rain to ascend to the stage, echoed his sentiment. Said one, “after what we’ve been through, this is nothing!” And then, as if on cue, the rain ended, followed by a brilliant sun in a cloudless sky. The park began to fill again. Walkers returning from shelter, expecting to see few people left behind, were astounded to find the midway clogged with teal shirts and banners.
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The smiles on faces as the 4th Annual T.E.A.L. Walk finally left the starting line were only outdone by those at the finish, as walkers with hands, hearts and signs held high finished a journey that had begun long before today, and had ended in hugs, tears and laughter. This day was for women, for their families and friends, to remember, to honor and to join together in powerful solidarity – to eradicate this disease that “silently” claims the lives of 15,000 U.S. women each year. This day was for people who had channeled their loss and grief into positive action, who honored the memory of their loved ones by reaching out to save others.
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T.E.A.L. volunteers had spanned the route: Boy Scouts at water stations, Lions and Leos giving out energy bars, photographers, cheerleaders, beauty contest winners, route marshals, and many, many more. There were volunteers who manned booths for registration, raffles, The T.E.A.L. shop, and who provided information and refreshment. Some came as early as 5:00 am and stayed until the last tents were packed away. District 20-K1 Lions sent a team for the second year as well as the Hollis Lions and Leos, who helped from early morning.
Special thanks to Pamela, to the Esposito, McGregor, and Amery families, and to all the wonderful T.E.A.L. staff and volunteers, who worked tirelessly for this event, who kept it together when all seemed lost. The joy of seeing thousands walk through the park was your long awaited reward. And thanks to all who came to walk, who braved the rain and who kept hope alive. This day belonged to you.
It was not surprising that the sun came out today – there really was no other choice.
For more information about T.E.A.L
.Go to TEALWALK.org
