Broomall woman plays tennis to help with ovarian cancer
It was March, 2015. when Broomall’s Elaine Boswell was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“It was devastating,” said Boswell, who had no symptoms when she went for a routine gynecologic appointment. “I was in a state of shock, and couldn’t believe it.”
Even though she had no noticeable symptoms, her doctor, noticing some slight swelling, ordered several tests-then called with the news of the diagnosis.
Despite her shock, Boswell, then 68, pulled herself together to prepare for surgery and then six monthly treatments of aggressive chemo.
“After each treatment it became harder and harder,” she said.
Despite the grueling treatments, she had a surprising question for her oncologist.
“I kept asking, ‘Can I play tennis yet? He said, ‘Not yet. Not yet.’ Then he finally said, ‘If you think you can, then go ahead.’”
This was good news to a devoted tennis player who, despite chemo, could hardly wait to get on the tennis court.
“I had no hair by then, but I put on my tennis cap and played some tennis,” said Boswell, a member of the Idle Hour Tennis Club in Drexel Hill.
“And every day after that, I played tennis, then sat on the porch of the club relaxing. I felt so grateful just to be able to do that.”
She was even more grateful that her Stage 2 cancer had been detected early. Only 15 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed early because symptoms are subtle and there is no early detection test.
That’s why this cancer is the most fatal of all gynecologic cancers. When diagnosed in advanced stages, the five year survival rate is only 45%.
After her treatments ended, Boswell, deeply grateful for her own recovery, wanted to find a way to give back.
Soon she found the way with a tennis fund-raiser.
“I love tennis. It’s been part of my life for 20 years,” said Boswell, 71. “So it was a natural to plan a tennis event.”
She named it “Tennis for Teal” (teal is the official color for ovarian cancer) It would be a chance for attendees to play round robin tennis, socialize, enjoy a catered dinner and bid for auction items.
To prepare, Boswell enlisted the help of family, friends, tennis club members, and ovarian cancer survivors and supporters.
She also met with Robin Cohen, co-founder and CEO of the Delco-based Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
Cohen, an oncology nurse and Delco resident, had been Sandy Rollman’s nurse when the young woman was battling ovarian cancer. The foundation was created in her honor after she died at age 33.
Boswell decided to donate funds to the foundation’s programs.
The first Tennis for Teal event took place less than four months after Boswell finished treatment. It was held at the Springton Tennis Club in Media in Nov., 2015.
“I had never done anything like this, and I wasn’t even sure we’d have money to pay the caterer,” said Boswell. The event raised $8000. “It was wonderful feeling to be able to give back,” said Boswell. “My family was with me. (They include her husband, three children, and 12 grandchildren ) . “And so were all the people who had supported me. It was like a celebration.”
No wonder she decided to do it again one year later.. The second event , held on November, 2016, involved more tennis clubs.
“And all of them donated the tennis court time, which we really appreciated,” said Boswell.
This time, $17,000 was raised
This success was the result of considerable effort.
“We visited tennis clubs, we distributed flyers all over, we secured auction items and raffle items,” said Boswell. “And we ordered the food, got the tables set up- we did everything ourselves.”
The “we” especially refers to Nan Barash, a board member of the Rollman Foundation who is also a tennis enthusiast.
“We work closely together,” said Boswell. “She and I run the show.”
Now they are getting ready for the third annual “Tennis for Teal” event. It will be held Nov. 11 at three Delco venues - the Bryn Mawr Racquet Club, Springton Tennis Club, and Brandywine Racquet Club.
By now, the number of supporters has grown and the turnout will probably be the largest yet. Boswell is looking forward to it eagerly.
But even when she’s not involved in a “Tennis for Teal” event, she is tireless in her efforts to spread awareness about ovarian cancer.
“I play tennis four or five times a week and I constantly talk about ovarian cancer,” she said. “I even carry pamphlets about it in my tennis bag.
“It’s very gratifying to see women talking about ovarian cancer who never even thought of it before or who were afraid to think about it. “she said.
When Boswell was diagnosed, she never expected it would lead her to find a new purpose for her life.
“I feel I’m here for a reason,” she said. “My mission is to promote awareness of ovarian cancer. I feel if I can save one life by doing this, it’s all been worth it.”