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Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, is one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Team Teal’s trek up the mountain is in support of those with ovarian cancer and those affected by it. 

Ovarian cancer, known as the “silent killer,” is one of the least detectible cancers because its symptoms tend to go unnoticed and there are no reliable, effective screening measures for it. Longfellow’s cancer was diagnosed at stage one, which is a rare occurrence. Her story begins with the intense, lifelong menstrual pain she experienced. 

“I missed school as a kid for being in so much pain on my period, and my mother would tell me it was normal, so I grew up thinking that and got used to it,” Longfellow said. 

The pain never subsided as she got older. One day in 2017, she woke up and was unable to walk upright. She eventually made it to work, but her coworkers insisted she seek medical help. She ended up in the emergency room where her vitals appeared normal, and she was sent home.  

A few days later, Longfellow received a scan that revealed an ovarian cyst. She was prescribed medicine in hopes of reducing the cyst’s size, but it remained the same. Her doctor also found severe endometriosis in her body. 

“My doctor was very impressed that I lasted to age 33 with that much endometriosis,” Longfellow said. “She kept showing me pictures of my body saying, ‘See that little dot? That would send somebody to the ER.’ And I had a huge amount of those marks.” 

Longfellow had surgery to remove the cyst, and it was taken out intact. One day after leaving the hospital, she received a call asking her to come back to the hospital and to bring her father along. Her doctor told her that her cyst was cancerous, and she was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer. 

“I was scheduled for a total hysterectomy,” Longfellow said. “My doctor did give me the option of a partial hysterectomy, but she said there would be a 30 percent chance of it coming back and I didn’t want to take that risk, so I said to just take it all.” 

Longfellow is thankful her cyst did not burst before it could be removed. 

“If my cyst had burst, which is a common thing with ovarian cysts, that cancer would have spread all throughout my body,” Longfellow said. “We got it taken care of in perfect timing, and I just feel so lucky.” 

Longfellow’s involvement with Team Teal and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition began in 2019 when she ran a 5k in Chicago. After learning about their Mount Kilimanjaro hike, she immediately applied, interviewed with the team leader, and joined the team. 

“If I have an opportunity like that, I want to take it,” Longfellow said. 

Team Teal consists of six other ovarian cancer survivors from around the country and the team leader Sean Swarner. Swarner is a two-time cancer survivor who has one lung and has hiked to all Seven Summits. 

The team will hike Mount Kilimanjaro from July 9 to 15. In the meantime, Longfellow is also training for a half-marathon in June as encouragement to keep her exercise consistent ahead of the hike. As July approaches, her excitement for the hike is building. 

“I’m most looking forward to meeting my team and hiking with them,” Longfellow said. “It will be my first endurance type of event with other survivors through the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.” 

Since Longfellow’s diagnosis, her outlook on life has changed. She is focused on living a healthier lifestyle and taking advantage of opportunities that come her way. 

“If you want something, go for it,” Longfellow said. “Do what makes you happy, be as healthy as you can, and don’t take anything for granted.”  

If you are able, please consider donating in support of Longfellow’s hike up Mount Kilimanjaro and in support of those with ovarian cancer.