42 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen to support those struggling with ovarian cancer. She found only one support group, on Facebook, and it was primarily focused on preparing for death. This was very impactful for Routh, and she vowed to never go back to another support group. Unable to find and connect with anyone else in her situation — young, no kids, thrust into medically-induced menopause — she felt alone and lost. So, she started to pray. During one particularly sleepless night, she remembers asking God, “Why me? What do you need or want from me? What is the purpose?” And she received her answer very clearly. She felt God was telling her that maybe she couldn’t find what she was looking for because she was meant to create it. She shifted her perspective and started considering what she was missing as she was fighting, and thought there could be others like her. When she finished treatment, Routh was ready to take on her assignment and did all the things: research, support, fundraising — and all at once. And it was exhausting. In efforts to be more effective, she held a focus group with other survivors to try to narrow their vision and landed unanimously on survivor support. Here they found their niche and created a sisterhood called Teal Divas. This has allowed for a more tangible outcome in the lives of survivors. She intentionally didn’t use her name, because she wanted everyone to be a Teal Diva. The group produces dignity apparel including soft beanies and chemo shirts. They facilitate virtual and in-person meet-up events to have fun and live life (think flower arranging, kayaking, dinners out). They coordinate the “yes girl” community service project, which provides financial assistance for mortgages, utilities, gas and more for projects like roof repairs, yard work and interior and exterior repairs. They also host weekend retreats of 20-25 attendees, in North Carolina and South Carolina, for survivors to get out of their comfort zones and connect with others who are in the same place in life. In these retreats, lifelong friendships are formed and the common response from those who attend is, “life changing.” The Teal Divas have been hosting a 5K in the Lowcountry to raise funds to support these efforts for the past seven years, and this year they decided to combine the event with two other nonprofits, The South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Nothing Pink, to host the Stronger Together 5K. The race was held at Johns Island County Park in September, and the results were extraordinary. The funds raised will be poured back into the greater Charleston community and will bless survivors. For more information on upcoming events and how you can help, visit TealDiva.org. Charleston Women in Wellness
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