WESLEY CHAPEL - Two months after she started her job as a secretary at Schwarzkopf Elementary, Rhonda Franklin thought she had caught the same virus that had stricken several students and faculty members.
But after her stomach swelled to the point where she could no longer button her pants, Franklin saw a doctor and learned that her illness was more severe than she thought. She had ovarian cancer.
"I just tried to take what has happened and make the best of it," said Franklin, 43.
Since being diagnosed with cancer, Franklin has battled the disease with a determination that has inspired others with the same illness to be stronger. She has become a leading advocate for ovarian cancer awareness.
"I've seen so many women die of this disease that there has to be a reason I'm still here after nine years," said Franklin, a former fitness instructor in Hunter's Green. "I think I'm here because I was meant to help others with this disease and prevent others from getting it."
Franklin is co-chairwoman of OVACOME, the only ovarian cancer advocacy and support group in Hillsborough County. Beth Paige, who shares the leadership role, is recovering from major surgery.
OVACOME was formed in 2002. Several women with the disease started meeting regularly to support one another. A year later, they formed a board and began to pursue advocacy.
"We did it because all of a sudden we started losing members from the support group to the disease," said Franklin, who lives in the Meadow Pointe subdivision. She says 10 members of OVACOME have died from the disease since they started meeting.
Marsha Eibling, 55, an OVACOME board member, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2003. She joined OVACOME a month later.
"I don't think of it as people dying. I watch them fight to live," said Eibling, who lives in Citrus Park. "They are amazing women, and Rhonda is a top example. When Rhonda's had bad news, I've watched her fight it and overcome it.
"I've learned I have to fight it too and that the fight is worthwhile. You can have cancer and chemo and still have a good life. I've learned that from Rhonda."
Ovarian cancer is called the "silent killer" because its symptoms are vague. It's often misdiagnosed as irritable-bowel syndrome or menopause. While pap smears detect cervical cancer, there are no tests to detect ovarian cancer.
When ovarian cancer is found early, it's 90 percent curable.
"The only way to be diagnosed early is to persist in asking doctors why you are having symptoms," Franklin said.
Most cases are detected in an advanced stage, when there's only a 25 percent chance of surviving five years, she added.
OVACOME has about 30 members from Carrollwood, Brandon, Westchase, New Tampa and South Tampa. They meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at Nature's Harvest Market and Deli on N MacDill Avenue. The third Tuesday of each month, they meet at 6:30 p.m. at the American Cancer Society on S MacDill Avenue to hear guest speakers.
"There's always laughter," Franklin said, describing their meetings. "We think laughter is one of the ways to treat the disease. We always discuss what people are going through, and unfortunately, there's plenty of tears too."
Franklin and Eibling recently returned from a national conference in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. The group also is lobbying U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis to sign Johanna's Law, a bill to create funding for ovarian cancer awareness.
"I want people to know we are about educating the public about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer," said Franklin, who pointed out that her group is in dire need of healthy volunteers.
Franklin refuses to let the disease stop her from enjoying life with her two teenage children and her boyfriend, Tom Brannen, a commercial broker she met two years ago on the Internet.
She and Brannen, 57, plan to retire to a beach home on Florida's west coast after her 16-year-old son, Eric, graduates from Wharton High School.
Eric and Sarah, 19, have given her the will to live.
"I look in the faces of my children and I know I can never give up my battle," Franklin said. "I find my strength and desire to be there in their lives. But if I can't be there, I know I'll live on in their heart.
"I never take a single day for granted. Life will never be the same again. I wouldn't want it to be. I've learned so much from this. It's taught me what's important in life. I wouldn't want to go back to the person I was before cancer."
