Lynette Blakeway believes that giving back is very much a part of her life. She has volunteered for seven years with the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Ohio and most recently served as an Executive Board member and President of OCAO. A 3-time cancer survivor herself, she has dedicated her time and efforts to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and helped develop the Strides for Hope 5k/Walk, the Turn Huntington Park Teal event, and continues to be an advocate for those affected by ovarian cancer. Lynette envisions a world where one day we will be rid of this terrible disease. Until then, she is dedicated to supporting the women and their loved ones going through the process of treatment, getting better, and living beyond a diagnosis.
Lynette has also offered her services to her church for projects and programs including Women’s Exchanges. She has often been a counselor to SCORE both face-to-face and on mentor programs and is involved in the Children’s Hunger Alliance to help fight hunger.
The best advice that Lynette has received is that there is no challenge too big in this life. She quotes Deepak Chopra saying “no matter what challenge you may be facing, you must remember that while the canvas of your life is painted with daily experience, behaviors, reactions, and emotions, you’re the one controlling the brush.” Lynette likes to give this advice to others as well. “If you’re holding anyone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting your time. You must be fearless enough to give yourself the courage to believe in and to love yourself. As you talk into what you fear, you should know for sure that your deepest struggle can, if you’re willing and open, produce the greatest strength.”
Lynette finds balance by prioritizing choices and making time to recharge. “I have had to learn to choose excellence, no longer perfection. That has helped me to keep better perspective and has opened my consciousness to be in the right headspace for success. It has helped me to think clearly with imagination and with optimism.”
Lynette plans to create “cause awareness and giving days” as a powerful means of fundraising and for raising awareness about ovarian cancer and that every woman is at risk in the community. She also hopes to work more with the child hunger program to continue to fill the void in the community and end childhood hunger.
For more information about the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Ohio, please visit www.ocao.org.