After weeks of intense abdominal pain
and a visit to the ER in late July 2003 that included CT
scans, a sonogram and abdominal x-rays, but no diagnosis,
Anna visited a gynecologic oncologist who suggested surgery.
Due to the results of a laparoscopy, which revealed Stage
III, Grade B ovarian cancer, Anna’s left ovary and
both fallopian tubes were removed.
Anna began 6 months of an aggressive
treatment, Taxotere and Paraplatin. After a complete hysterectomy
in January 2004, doctors found no trace of cancer. But,
soon the sharp abdominal pains returned and Anna began treatment
with Doxil. Very quickly, intestinal complications developed
and the cancer spread to her liver. Less than 1-1/2 years
after her initial diagnosis, Anna passed away.
Originally from S. Agata, Italy, near
Sorrento, Anna arrived in the D.C. area at 35, where she
met her husband of 30 years, Umberto, and had two daughters,
Giovanna and Agnese. A talented cook and baker, Anna and
her husband opened a series of family restaurants where
she took pride in creating homemade pastas, sauces, bread
and pastries. A hardworking woman, devoted entirely to her
family and work, she thought of others first, rarely rewarding
herself. She gracefully taught her daughters about values,
respect, determination and strength.
Anna leaves behind a husband, two daughters,
two grandsons, four brothers, four sisters and numerous
nieces, nephews and friends. We admire her unselfishness
and giving nature and will always remember her as a loving
and caring woman.
Anna’s Fund supports The
Lynne Cohen Cancer Screening & Prevention Clinic at
Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Cancer Institute, a program
for uninsured, underserved minority women from communities
that have traditionally had fewer medical services available.
