Mary Tipton went to the children’s hospital on February 4, 2015 for abdominal pain, nausea and fever. Her pediatrician suspected appendicitis or a stomach virus on top of the ear infection she already had. During an ultrasound of her abdomen to examine MT’s appendix the technician spotted an abnormality on her ovary.

The ER physician suspected a twisted ovary and assumed it was causing the abdominal pain and vomiting. Mary Tipton had emergency surgery to untwist the ovary, but the surgeon found a mass on her ovary instead. Pathology confirmed it was ovarian dysgerminoma, a rare type of germ cell tumor that is aggressive, but thankfully treatable.

Mary Tipton was also diagnosed with mononucleosis while at the hospital, which was what led to her high fever and, ultimately, early detection of cancer. Her spleen was enlarged enough to make the tumor uncomfortable while it was still fairly small (slightly larger than golf ball). So we are actually thankful she had mono! Mary Tipton began her first round of chemotherapy in March 2015. She completed her final course of chemo in May 2015. Each round required a 6 day inpatient stay – with a two week break between rounds. We are thankful that Mary Tipton had clear CT scans after treatment!

Mary Tipton loves the Georgia Bulldogs, rollerblading, swimming, tennis, dancing and any type of art project. Our family is determined to fight childhood cancer long after our personal battle is won. Rally On!