Realty ONE Group's Womanless Beauty Contest, Benefiting Stephanie LeMarr

Realty ONE Group's Womanless Beauty Contest, Benefiting Stephanie LeMarr

Come join us for a fun-filled evening at the Womanless Beauty Contest hosted by Realty ONE Group Old Towne. All proceeds from this event will go to help take some of the financial burdern off of Stephanie as she continues her Cancer journey. Please read her story below.

The event will take place at West Oaks Farm and Market at 4305 Middle Rd, so mark your calendars!

Stephanie's Journey

In 2016, my life took a sudden and unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. At the time, I was already facing the challenges of being a single mother of two young children, navigating the world on my own after a recent separation from my spouse. The news of my diagnosis shook me to the core, but I knew I had to be strong for my children.

I underwent grueling rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and eventually surgery to remove the tumor. For a while, it seemed like I had beaten the odds and was cancer-free. However, in 2019, the pain returned, this time in my tailbone that came along with numbness spreading down my pelvis and leg. Months of doctor visits and scans led to the devastating discovery of a recurring tumor on my sacrum.

The journey that followed was filled with uncertainty and fear. Doctors were hesitant to operate due to the tumor's location and its involvement with critical nerves. After countless consultations, a glimmer of hope was found at John’s Hopkins, where a skilled surgeon was willing to take on the procedure. The risky and complex surgery took approximately 12 hours removing the lower part of my sacrum as well as the nerves that control pelvic function. I was left with a colostomy and unbearable nerve damage, but I was determined to fight.

After well over 6 months of healing, I was beginning to rebuild my life and excited at the thought of going back to work. Yet, the cancer had other plans, as it had returned. I spent the next two years undergoing strenuous rounds of maintenance chemotherapy while searching for clinical trials and new treatments. A year ago, the chemo stopped working and the cancer began growing through the treatment. Each setback brought more pain and uncertainty, but I refused to give up. I traveled as far as Texas for a possible trial or any new treatments. A bit of comfort was found when I discovered a trial at UVA, only a few hours from my home. However, after 3 months I was told the cancer was not responding and I had to stop treatment.

Today, as the cancer has continued to spread to my lungs, liver, pelvis, and bladder, I am faced with continuous uphill battles. There is a flicker of hope in the form of a new chemotherapy pill approved just last November. The financial burden that comes along with cancer treatments is indescribable. Each month I apply for grants but if not approved, the treatment is over $5000. Despite setbacks due to multiple infections, I cling to the belief that this treatment may offer me more precious time with my loved ones.

My journey with cancer has been filled with unimaginable challenges and heartache, but through it all, I refuse to lose hope. I know there's not a cure and I don't know what the future holds, but I will continue to fight with every ounce of strength in me, cherishing each moment and praying for just a little more time. I want to thank you for your support as it means everything to me on this journey. Together, we can make every moment count!

With Love, Stephanie

#FightLikeLeMarr