It was an amazing year for Dawn Kedar, 17, a Bay Area teen who had been dealing with some very adult problems. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Kedar spent several months undergoing surgery and an aggressive chemotherapy program under the supervision of Dr. Nick Spirtos of the Women's Cancer Center.

"We consider Dawn very fortunate, in that her disease was discovered in the early stages," Spirtos commented, "which means her chances of a full recovery are excellent."

Once the crisis had passed, Kedar relaxed and enjoyed herself, courtesy of the Women's Cancer Center Foundation and two of it's board members, Jackie and Jerry Rice. The Foundation sponsored a trip to Europe, including a few days in Paris, a city Kedar only dreamed of visiting.

"Dawn was always a trouper," Spirtos said, "It was time for her to have some fun."

The Women's Cancer Center Foundation is dedicated to advancing research for the treatment and cure of gynecological cancers as well as providing reliable information and resources to cancer patients and their families. Funds for the Foundation are provided by grants and corporate or individual donations.

For more information, or to learn how you can contribute, contact Nick Spirtos, Women's Cancer Center at nspirtos@wccenter.com.