Local 18-year-old diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer
Riley Benado. Photo courtesy of the Benado family.
– Riley Benado, an 18-year-old graduate of Paso Robles High School, has recently been given a diagnosis of stage three ovarian cancer. The former varsity cheer captain and current Cuesta student will be going in for a full hysterectomy on Sept. 26. She and her family have launched a gofundme campaign to raise money for the costs accrued. There is also a fundraiser that will be held on Friday night, at the Paso Robles High School Homecoming game.
The Benado family, originally from Oxnard, moved to Paso Robles five years ago. “This community has been amazing,” said her father, Brent. Riley describes her family as, “understanding, crazy, and unconditionally supportive.” She attended Paso Robles High and graduated last year. She was accepted to multiple universities but instead decided to stay close to home. Her diagnoses was on Sept. 23.
On her gofundme site, Riley writes:
On Monday Sept. 14, 2015 I went to the gynecologist for a check up because I was experiencing severe bloating and pain in my pelvis. It looked like my stomach was 5 months pregnant. The doctors gave me a pregnancy test, and of course it was negative — I’m experiencing all of this, yet I’m still a virgin.
Next, they decided it was best to do an ultrasound to see if anything would appear abnormal in my stomach. During this, they found extra fluid in my stomach, but it was difficult to see my organs well enough to notice if anything was wrong. On Thursday Sept. 17, 2015, doctors performed a CAT scan to better see my ovaries and my appendix. The doctors called me back first thing Friday morning as soon as they received the results. I went back to my gynecologist as soon as they called, and she told me there was a 98-percent chance that I would be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer…
She explained I have an 11 by 13 centimeter mass on ‘one’ ovary (so large it affected both sides), extra fluid in my stomach, and enlarged lymph nodes — all indications of Ovarian Cancer. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A few days later, my blood was sent to the lab to do some testing before I was called by an OB/GYN Oncology specialist in the Stanford area. Her name is Dr. O’Hanlan.
On September 23rd, I was officially diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer…
Riley is a Paso Robles High School graduate and former varsity cheer captain. She has been volunteering her time teaching cheer to local youth.
Riley is scheduled for surgery for Sept. 26. During the surgery, the mass, any and all infected organs, her ovaries, eggs, and her uterus will be removed. “At this age, removal of these parts of my body is not only scary, but it’s heartbreaking,” she writes. “I have always dreamed of having my own children and raising a family. I love kids so much, so to know I will never have a child with my own genes and my own characteristics breaks me down.”
During this extremely hard time, Riley says that she is, “appreciating every second of the love and support I receive from friends, family, and my community.” A campaign, #RallyForRiley, has been posted on Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and Twitter. Brent said that Paso Robles High has banners up around the school supporting Riley in her fight. She has also launched a special blog about her journey.
“Never did I think that at only 18 years old I would be battling such a brutal disease,” she writes. “Because this is so rare for someone at such a young age, I hope that others can become aware of Ovarian Cancer after reading about my story. I hope my journey inspires others and helps anyone going through similar challenges to understand that they, too can overcome a difficult battle. Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and contribution to this fight. Together, I believe we can beat this!”
Beautiful girl Prayers to her and her family! #teamriley
ASA II at Cal Poly State University
Beautiful girl Prayers to her and her family! #teamriley
She can still have children. Can't the doctors extract her eggs before the hysterectomy and preserve them until she's ready to have children? Then they find a surrogate mother to carry the baby to term? Can't that be done?
They can go into the ovary and retrieve many eggs at one time. Then u pay to freeze them for as long as u need to. But with the ovarian cancer the eggs are probably not ok. Of that ovary anyway. But this is don't by an ob gyn specialist. And probably not enough but time. There is a whole process to doing this. Prayers to her and her family.
Grace Schwartz and occ need to help this family
Love you! Prayers for you and you can beat this! I have faith ! Keep strong!
Hope and prayers for a full recovery Riley.
Hope and prayers for a full recovery Riley.
I am so sorry you're going thru this. Prayers for you and your family. Can't even imagine what you're going thru. 🙁
Stay strong and positive young lady. You will get through this. Prayers ❤️
Please be sure she is under the medical care of a gyn oncologists!! Critical to best possible care. Check web site http://www.ovarian.org for info
Dr. O'Hanlan is the best there is! She will take great care of this young sweet girl. Prayers for complete healing.
I will pray for this sweet girl.
Seems like to save her life, time may not allow for that. :'(
so sorry to hear about your trouble with cancer , but what all needs to understand Cancer any type is not choosey as to whom it goes after.. this is one reason you do not use tampons. i watched my mother go threw this, but she was much older . and they said she had a yeast infection .. which was not the case.. this is one cancer that does need to be told more than breast cancer. for it is very rare . i just hope that within the last 10yrs they have learned more about it… Your young , stay away from Salt . do not eat anything with salt in it.. i was my mother care giver.. and she did lose . she was also a diebitic . which did not help. Prayers are coming your way ..
My sister is a 6 year survivor of stage 4! Keep the faith! God will get you through it!
My sister is a 6 year survivor of stage 4! Keep the faith! God will get you through it!
I will be praying for you I had a sister(52 years) who fought for 3 years and her death was accerlated by radiation that burnt all her organs to a crisp. But you are young and you will be a warrior. Stay strong,Positive and know and believe that God is there every step for you. Fight Like a Girl. I am a Breast Cancer survivor so I know you can beat this. God Bless you.
My prayers are with, you Riley, for 50+ years I worked with folks with diagnoses like yours. You are in good hands, you are young, and above all else you MUST BELIEVE in your soul that this cancer can and will be eradicated, keep us informed of your progress as we continue to pray for your complete cure. Also is their a local bank where I could give a donation?
.
I am so sorry for your disease, Riley! God allowed you to have it for reasons known to Him. Allow Him to work through you; He will open doors.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. She graduated college one night, got married next; then diagnosed four or five months later. Had hysterectomy and several months of chemo. She has never relapsed. It's been eleven years now. She us still married and has two adopted children.
Forgive me if I sound cold, I'm thinking ahead for you. I notice your beautiful long hair. You will lose your hair due to chemo. While it might seem drastic now, if it will bother you much to lose your hair, (surprisingly some women handle it quite well) you might consider cutting it and outting towards your won wig. That way you can still wear your hair. Your friends can even cut theirs and donate towards your wig, too. Just a thought.
I will be praying for you, Riley.
Prayers for you sweet girl. My sister is a 2 time breast cancer surviver of 2 different primaries. You have a fight a head of you but keep the faith that God is always with you and he has great plans for you. I think he has special babies planned for you that will need you.
Praying for you; I am sorry you are going through this. Praying for your doctor's too–to give them discernment.
God bless you. God is with you during every step of the way through this horrible time. Pray. So sorry this is happening to you but I will be praying for you
OCC is The Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California and they are great women and are an amazing resource!
You will win! My Mom is a 7 year Stage III survivor! Listen to the Dr. Have strong faith and friends!
I was a survivor at age 19. Many thoughts and prayers for your safe and healthy recovery!
I'm sorry for this diagnosis, ca is a terrible thing….stay strong and thank u for sharing your story with us. U are in my thoughts and prayers
I'm sorry for this diagnosis, ca is a terrible thing….stay strong and thank u for sharing your story with us. U are in my thoughts and prayers
Look up Doug Kauffman. I had beginning stages and similiar symptoms. I cleared my body of ovarian cysts by eating a antifungal diet. After surgery Dr. Stengler is a doctor the can guide you healing with food and supplements. The way we grow food in our country and over use of antibiotics wreek havoc on our reproductive organs. I do not work for any of these people. I am a school teacher in Oxnard who has had these issues since age 18. I am 37 currently have a uterine fibroid and little chance of ever having children, you will find many wonderful things to do beyond that. Many Blessings
My daughter survived Stage 3C ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed two weeks after she turned 16. She is 20 now & is cancer free!!! Her type of cancer is Germinoma. She lost one ovary that was six ponds & it had spread to her lymph nodes. Keep the faith!! You can beat this!!
I'm 26 year old, I was diagnosed in March 2015 with stage 4 Vulvar cancer that spread to my lungs did chemo and then a few weeks ago they found four lesions in my brain so I did radiation. I go back next week to repeat my scans. I was on life support for six days and I had to learn how to walk and get dressed all over again, I'm here because God saved me, know that God is always with us. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!!!
#GodisAmazing #staystrong
This is maybe to much info.
Was unable to have children due to endometriosis diagnosis and complete hysterectomy. We adopted — she is the child of my heart and could not love her more. What is happening in your life is traumatic and I'm not minimizing that in any way. Just saying adoption was fulfilling and my life overflowed with a love I would not have wanted to miss. As years have passed we realize that my situation was part of God's plan for us to raise this child. Pray your surgery went well and that you will recover quickly and that God will give you peace. He's got this; just trust Him. His plan for our life is always the best plan. God bless you.
Was unable to have children due to endometriosis diagnosis and complete hysterectomy. We adopted — she is the child of my heart and could not love her more. What is happening in your life is traumatic and I'm not minimizing that in any way. Just saying adoption was fulfilling and my life overflowed with a love I would not have wanted to miss. As years have passed we realize that my situation was part of God's plan for us to raise this child. Pray your surgery went well and that you will recover quickly and that God will give you peace. He's got this; just trust Him. His plan for our life is always the best plan. God bless you.
So sorry for you to have to battle such a terrible thing! I wish you the best of luck, strength and support. Although I don't you, the challenge you face is huge and I wish you greatness!
Riley we the Giving Gold for Lou team here in Ballarat Victoria Australia send all our LOVE AND SUPPORT. Dot Cherry
I have just been through a week scared out of my mind as i did these tests, waiting for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, which took my mother but thankfully which has not come for me. Instead Im having surgery in a few weeks to remove a massive atypical, very fast growing fibroid from my uterus. Going through the tests alone has been a challenge for me at 32, i cannot imagine the added pressures this all brings being 18. I am so sorry for your situation but am grateful for you sharing your story to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. It is a silent disease and it should never affect someone so young as you but your strength shows you can kick cancers butt and impact the lives of countless women as you do. Keep fighting and love and support to you and your family xx
healing and prayers
Prayers Riley stay strong young lady.
I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer as a teenager. I've been in remission seventeen years – and I now have a child!! The same thing will happen to you! Hang in there! I'm praying for you!
My daughter died from stage 4 ovarian cancer at the age of 18. She was diagnosed in August of 1998 and pass in January of 1999. This is a very silient killer. The issue I'm having all these years later is that her ovarian cancer was caused by the use of talcum powder from the time she started menstruating at the age of 12. All those years of daily showers and the use of talcum powder caused her death. Yet with all the items in the news about johnson and johnson knowing this link and not warning people, my child suffered needlessly and died because of their neglect. I have tried several attorneys and not one will take this case on and its all because of my daughters age. I keep getting told that she doesnt fit the criteria. I want to know, who came up with the criteria???? There shouldnt be an age limit.
Beautiful girl Prayers to her and her family! #teamriley
ASA II at Cal Poly State University
Beautiful girl Prayers to her and her family! #teamriley
She can still have children. Can't the doctors extract her eggs before the hysterectomy and preserve them until she's ready to have children? Then they find a surrogate mother to carry the baby to term? Can't that be done?
They can go into the ovary and retrieve many eggs at one time. Then u pay to freeze them for as long as u need to. But with the ovarian cancer the eggs are probably not ok. Of that ovary anyway. But this is don't by an ob gyn specialist. And probably not enough but time. There is a whole process to doing this. Prayers to her and her family.
Grace Schwartz and occ need to help this family
Love you! Prayers for you and you can beat this! I have faith ! Keep strong!
Hope and prayers for a full recovery Riley.
Hope and prayers for a full recovery Riley.
I am so sorry you're going thru this. Prayers for you and your family. Can't even imagine what you're going thru. 🙁
Stay strong and positive young lady. You will get through this. Prayers ❤️
Please be sure she is under the medical care of a gyn oncologists!! Critical to best possible care. Check web site http://www.ovarian.org for info
Dr. O'Hanlan is the best there is! She will take great care of this young sweet girl. Prayers for complete healing.
I will pray for this sweet girl.
Seems like to save her life, time may not allow for that. :'(
so sorry to hear about your trouble with cancer , but what all needs to understand Cancer any type is not choosey as to whom it goes after.. this is one reason you do not use tampons. i watched my mother go threw this, but she was much older . and they said she had a yeast infection .. which was not the case.. this is one cancer that does need to be told more than breast cancer. for it is very rare . i just hope that within the last 10yrs they have learned more about it… Your young , stay away from Salt . do not eat anything with salt in it.. i was my mother care giver.. and she did lose . she was also a diebitic . which did not help. Prayers are coming your way ..
My sister is a 6 year survivor of stage 4! Keep the faith! God will get you through it!
My sister is a 6 year survivor of stage 4! Keep the faith! God will get you through it!
I will be praying for you I had a sister(52 years) who fought for 3 years and her death was accerlated by radiation that burnt all her organs to a crisp. But you are young and you will be a warrior. Stay strong,Positive and know and believe that God is there every step for you. Fight Like a Girl. I am a Breast Cancer survivor so I know you can beat this. God Bless you.
My prayers are with, you Riley, for 50+ years I worked with folks with diagnoses like yours. You are in good hands, you are young, and above all else you MUST BELIEVE in your soul that this cancer can and will be eradicated, keep us informed of your progress as we continue to pray for your complete cure. Also is their a local bank where I could give a donation?
.
I am so sorry for your disease, Riley! God allowed you to have it for reasons known to Him. Allow Him to work through you; He will open doors.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. She graduated college one night, got married next; then diagnosed four or five months later. Had hysterectomy and several months of chemo. She has never relapsed. It's been eleven years now. She us still married and has two adopted children.
Forgive me if I sound cold, I'm thinking ahead for you. I notice your beautiful long hair. You will lose your hair due to chemo. While it might seem drastic now, if it will bother you much to lose your hair, (surprisingly some women handle it quite well) you might consider cutting it and outting towards your won wig. That way you can still wear your hair. Your friends can even cut theirs and donate towards your wig, too. Just a thought.
I will be praying for you, Riley.
Prayers for you sweet girl. My sister is a 2 time breast cancer surviver of 2 different primaries. You have a fight a head of you but keep the faith that God is always with you and he has great plans for you. I think he has special babies planned for you that will need you.
Praying for you; I am sorry you are going through this. Praying for your doctor's too–to give them discernment.
God bless you. God is with you during every step of the way through this horrible time. Pray. So sorry this is happening to you but I will be praying for you
OCC is The Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California and they are great women and are an amazing resource!
You will win! My Mom is a 7 year Stage III survivor! Listen to the Dr. Have strong faith and friends!
I was a survivor at age 19. Many thoughts and prayers for your safe and healthy recovery!
I'm sorry for this diagnosis, ca is a terrible thing….stay strong and thank u for sharing your story with us. U are in my thoughts and prayers
I'm sorry for this diagnosis, ca is a terrible thing….stay strong and thank u for sharing your story with us. U are in my thoughts and prayers
Look up Doug Kauffman. I had beginning stages and similiar symptoms. I cleared my body of ovarian cysts by eating a antifungal diet. After surgery Dr. Stengler is a doctor the can guide you healing with food and supplements. The way we grow food in our country and over use of antibiotics wreek havoc on our reproductive organs. I do not work for any of these people. I am a school teacher in Oxnard who has had these issues since age 18. I am 37 currently have a uterine fibroid and little chance of ever having children, you will find many wonderful things to do beyond that. Many Blessings
My daughter survived Stage 3C ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed two weeks after she turned 16. She is 20 now & is cancer free!!! Her type of cancer is Germinoma. She lost one ovary that was six ponds & it had spread to her lymph nodes. Keep the faith!! You can beat this!!
I'm 26 year old, I was diagnosed in March 2015 with stage 4 Vulvar cancer that spread to my lungs did chemo and then a few weeks ago they found four lesions in my brain so I did radiation. I go back next week to repeat my scans. I was on life support for six days and I had to learn how to walk and get dressed all over again, I'm here because God saved me, know that God is always with us. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!!!
#GodisAmazing #staystrong
This is maybe to much info.
Was unable to have children due to endometriosis diagnosis and complete hysterectomy. We adopted — she is the child of my heart and could not love her more. What is happening in your life is traumatic and I'm not minimizing that in any way. Just saying adoption was fulfilling and my life overflowed with a love I would not have wanted to miss. As years have passed we realize that my situation was part of God's plan for us to raise this child. Pray your surgery went well and that you will recover quickly and that God will give you peace. He's got this; just trust Him. His plan for our life is always the best plan. God bless you.
Was unable to have children due to endometriosis diagnosis and complete hysterectomy. We adopted — she is the child of my heart and could not love her more. What is happening in your life is traumatic and I'm not minimizing that in any way. Just saying adoption was fulfilling and my life overflowed with a love I would not have wanted to miss. As years have passed we realize that my situation was part of God's plan for us to raise this child. Pray your surgery went well and that you will recover quickly and that God will give you peace. He's got this; just trust Him. His plan for our life is always the best plan. God bless you.
So sorry for you to have to battle such a terrible thing! I wish you the best of luck, strength and support. Although I don't you, the challenge you face is huge and I wish you greatness!
Riley we the Giving Gold for Lou team here in Ballarat Victoria Australia send all our LOVE AND SUPPORT. Dot Cherry
I have just been through a week scared out of my mind as i did these tests, waiting for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, which took my mother but thankfully which has not come for me. Instead Im having surgery in a few weeks to remove a massive atypical, very fast growing fibroid from my uterus. Going through the tests alone has been a challenge for me at 32, i cannot imagine the added pressures this all brings being 18. I am so sorry for your situation but am grateful for you sharing your story to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. It is a silent disease and it should never affect someone so young as you but your strength shows you can kick cancers butt and impact the lives of countless women as you do. Keep fighting and love and support to you and your family xx
healing and prayers
Prayers Riley stay strong young lady.
I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer as a teenager. I've been in remission seventeen years – and I now have a child!! The same thing will happen to you! Hang in there! I'm praying for you!
My daughter died from stage 4 ovarian cancer at the age of 18. She was diagnosed in August of 1998 and pass in January of 1999. This is a very silient killer. The issue I'm having all these years later is that her ovarian cancer was caused by the use of talcum powder from the time she started menstruating at the age of 12. All those years of daily showers and the use of talcum powder caused her death. Yet with all the items in the news about johnson and johnson knowing this link and not warning people, my child suffered needlessly and died because of their neglect. I have tried several attorneys and not one will take this case on and its all because of my daughters age. I keep getting told that she doesnt fit the criteria. I want to know, who came up with the criteria???? There shouldnt be an age limit.