Daughter of Blue Duck Bakery Owners Reflects, Inspires After Ovarian Cancer Battle

NORTH FORK, NY — In July 2015, Noelle Kouris, 35, whose parents Nancy and Keith own the Blue Duck Bakery Cafes, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

But rather than let the daunting news overwhelm, Kouris faced her diagnosis with her bright, trademark smile and thumb's up, with her unwavering positivity and strength, a warrior in her battle as her family and friends rallied round to support her and lift her up during the darkest of moments.

Supporters created Team Noelle and participated in an ovarian cancer walk last year in her honor; today, emerging triumphant from her battle, survivor Noelle Kouris, dressed in teal — teal is the color used for ovarian cancer awareness — participated in two events in September during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, to honor those lost and to help raise awareness about the disease.

Here, in her own words, Kouris, now cancer free, reflects on the past year, and on her journey:

"People always say how much things can change in a year. This is a true statement.

A year ago, I was in the middle of my second round of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. I was not working, not active, and bald. Despite going through chemotherapy, my spirits remained high and I maintained a positive attitude.

A year later, one thing is still true, my spirits are high and my attitude is still positive. Things that have changed: I am officially 10 months cancer free, with my year check in November.

I am back working, I am playing volleyball, and I have some hair! With my newfound survivorship have come some wonderful opportunities to share my story and inspire others to remain positive and strong.

On September 21, Stony Brook Medicine hosted their annual Candlelight Ceremony to honor survivors, those fighting, and loved ones that were lost to a gynecological cancer. I attended this ceremony last year as a patient.

The women that spoke and shared their stories inspired me. They reminded me that the battle may not be easy, but it will be worth it. They reminded me to never give up hope and to live life to the fullest.

This year, I was honored to share my story with those in attendance and hoped it would inspire those listening. This touching ceremony gives patients, survivors, and families a chance to connect with each other, laugh with each other, and sometimes, cry with each other. I was touched that so many people there remembered me from last year, complimenting how far I have come.

On September 24, the National Ovarian Cancer Collation’s 10th annual “Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” was held at Belmont Lake State Park.

This was another event I attended a year ago as a patient. Team Noelle was back out there walking this year to help raise awareness of this deadly cancer. Again, I was given the opportunity and honor to share my story with all those in attendance. Just like the Candlelight Ceremony, survivors, patients, and families were able to come together to support one another in this fight against ovarian cancer.

Both of these events reminded me of how blessed I am to be here and how 'lucky' I was to get the form of ovarian cancer that I did get.

But it also inspired me to continue to be the voice for the voiceless, a voice for the women who fought so valiantly and lost.

I was touched to hear from several women, survivors, how I have inspired them. That is the greatest victory of all. As a teacher, one thing we strive to do is to positively affect one child in our entire career, reach that one kid and make them see their true potential.

I feel the same way about battling cancer and going through the journey. If my story, my positive attitude, message of hope can inspire one woman, one survivor, one family . . . it is the greatest gift. I plan to continue to share my story with those who want to hear it.

I hope to give back a ounce of the hope, strength, and love that was given to me by all the women, families, doctors, and nurses I met last year at the hospital, the Candlelight Ceremony and the National Ovarian Cancer Collation’s walk. Without those people to inspire me, my message of hope wouldn’t be as strong. I am forever grateful to all those I have met on my journey and for those that have stood by me. This quote speaks the truth. Thank you for all your love!

“Where there is great love there are always miracles.”

― Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop "

Patch courtesy photo.