Ranny A. Mast Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Sarah 'Ranny' Mast passed away on August 13, 2019 following a five year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 45 years old and left behind her husband of 19 years, Myers, and her two sons Jack, 16, and Henry, 12. Ranny was one of the most genuinely happy and positive people that I have ever know. She lit up every room with her infectious smile and kind nature. Ranny touched the lives of so many people, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and especially her students. Ranny was a Montessori teacher in Mount Pleasant, SC, Richmond, VA, and most recently Cary, NC. She loved educating her students and loved to dedicate her time and energy to make other people's lives better.
Therefore, the mission of this memorial fund is to educate and give back. All donations to the Ranny A. Mast Memorial Fund will go towards two core goals:
1 - Advocate for screening technology as it relates to gynecological cancers with a focus on ovarian cancer. Educate woman on symptom awareness and genetic history awareness. By the time most women experience symptoms of ovarian cancer, the tumor is large enough to create discomfort and most often has spread to other organs. Doctors often say there is no screening available for ovarian cancer. While technically that is true, an ultra sound found Ranny's tumor when it was still a Stage 1. CT & PET scans also can see masses in the reproductive system. Making these technologies more accessible and affordable could save lives. Early detection and screening are imperative as we are seeing more and more younger women being affected by gynecological cancers. We will work with local hospitals and OB/GYN offices to push for screening awareness in younger patients. We will continue to learn from professionals and do our part to educate the public through local events and general awareness campaigns.
2 - Help those in financial need. Our way to give back is to provide assistance to local women currently fighting ovarian cancer that may be struggling with other life issues. Medical bills can be overwhelming, especially to those without adequate health insurance. Every woman with this disease should have access to the same quality of care. No one should have to lose their house or custody of their child because of medical debt. And no one should opt out of a surgery or chemotherapy because they feel they cannot afford it. We will work directly with both UNC Gynecologic Oncology Department as well as Duke Women's Cancer Center to help us find patients in need.
Hopefully this be the beginning of something much bigger. Ranny would want us to fight with grace and dignity as she did. As this memorial fund gains steam, we will look into expanding our opportunities by creating a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
For more information on Ranny's courageous fight, please see the following links:
Therefore, the mission of this memorial fund is to educate and give back. All donations to the Ranny A. Mast Memorial Fund will go towards two core goals:
1 - Advocate for screening technology as it relates to gynecological cancers with a focus on ovarian cancer. Educate woman on symptom awareness and genetic history awareness. By the time most women experience symptoms of ovarian cancer, the tumor is large enough to create discomfort and most often has spread to other organs. Doctors often say there is no screening available for ovarian cancer. While technically that is true, an ultra sound found Ranny's tumor when it was still a Stage 1. CT & PET scans also can see masses in the reproductive system. Making these technologies more accessible and affordable could save lives. Early detection and screening are imperative as we are seeing more and more younger women being affected by gynecological cancers. We will work with local hospitals and OB/GYN offices to push for screening awareness in younger patients. We will continue to learn from professionals and do our part to educate the public through local events and general awareness campaigns.
2 - Help those in financial need. Our way to give back is to provide assistance to local women currently fighting ovarian cancer that may be struggling with other life issues. Medical bills can be overwhelming, especially to those without adequate health insurance. Every woman with this disease should have access to the same quality of care. No one should have to lose their house or custody of their child because of medical debt. And no one should opt out of a surgery or chemotherapy because they feel they cannot afford it. We will work directly with both UNC Gynecologic Oncology Department as well as Duke Women's Cancer Center to help us find patients in need.
Hopefully this be the beginning of something much bigger. Ranny would want us to fight with grace and dignity as she did. As this memorial fund gains steam, we will look into expanding our opportunities by creating a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
For more information on Ranny's courageous fight, please see the following links:
Organizer
Myers Mast
Organizer
Cary, NC