Eighth-Grade Cancer Survivor To Speak at National Event

Desolina Postreich, an eighth grader at Pine-Richland Middle School, is a nine-year survivor of ovarian cancer. This weekend, she will share her story at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Together in TEAL Run/Walk in Dallas, Texas.

Diagnosed with JGCT stage 1a ovarian cancer shortly after her fifth birthday, today Desolina is an advocate for cancer research, awareness and fundraising. She heads the Pittsburgh Tealers fundraising team for Pittsburgh’s annual Together in TEAL Run/Walk, this year raising nearly $3,000 in advance of the walk held Sunday, September 15. 

“I want to raise money for ovarian cancer awareness, and I don’t want anyone to ever have to walk alone,” Desolina said about her involvement with Together in TEAL. Since 2016, Desolina has raised more than $83,000 for ovarian cancer research.

Desolina and her family became friendly with both the CEO of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Melissa Aucoin, and the Board President, Dr. Meredith Mitstifer, during the pandemic when fundraising and advocacy events were held virtually. As such a young survivor, Desolina has been nicknamed “Tiny Teal” by her friends at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and was personally invited by the CEO to travel to Dallas to share her story

Ovarian cancer is incredibly rare in children, accounting for only 1% of malignant tumors found in children under 17, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In girls younger than eight, four out of five ovarian tumors are found to be benign. 

Desolina does not plan to stop her advocacy efforts after her trip to Dallas; in November, she will travel with her family to New York City to cheer on the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Team Teal participating in the New York City Marathon.