Tribute in Memory of: Sheila Schulman Korn
Posted March 09, 2016

Sheila Schulman Korn

Dedication

This Tribute Wall has been set up by Dave & Jessie Bushman and Annie & Bernie Brickel. It is dedicated to Dave & Annie’s beloved cousin Sheila Schulman Korn, who recently lost her five-year battle against ovarian cancer. All those who knew her loved her. She always had a smile, was always there to help you if you needed it, and made you feel better just by being with her. The world is a little lonelier without her.

When someone we love passes, our love becomes a memory and that memory becomes a treasure. All of our memories of Sheila are now treasures. In this way, at least, we are all rich beyond imagination.

We will miss seeing her infectious smile and hearing her voice, but Sheila has left a legacy that will never be forgotten: family is most important, love unconditionally, be non-judgmental, never say a harsh word, love everyone, be kind, caring and compassionate.

She will always have the love of a special group of women who will hold her in their hearts forever. “Dance on, baby!”

The following words are from the opening of Sheila’s eulogy by her friend, Donna Hatzivianis Guarton:

“I am so honored to have the privilege to talk to you about our beautiful and loving friend, Dr. Sheila Korn. I know we are all heartbroken at her passing and the injustice of losing her too soon, but I also know that Sheila would not want us to focus on our pain. After all, she did not focus on her pain. Rather, Sheila lived a joyful life, even in the face of adversity, and at times, seemingly insurmountable challenges. She was determined not to be defined by her illness. She did not want to be known as a “cancer patient” but as a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, a doctor and a die-hard NY Mets fan, who happened to be living with cancer. Instead, let us honor our remarkable friend by focusing on the positive force she was in each of our lives.”

To read this beautiful eulogy in its entirety, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/donna.guarton/posts/10208753863388227

Your impact on this world, dearest Sheila, your inspiration, your fearlessness, has challenged each of us to be better people and to freely share the love and positivity you brought to all who knew you. Safe passage to your next wild and wonderful adventure.

Personal Story

Our maternal side of the family was riddled with cancer but we didn’t realize the full extent until recently. It all started thanks to Annie, who was the first to be tested and to learn that she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation 187delAG. Then Dave got tested and he too was BRCA1+.

Dave became the family genealogist and spread the word to all the family members on the maternal side. When Sheila learned the news, she immediately decided to get tested. She too carried the family genetic mutation. She immediately decided to pursue preventative surgery and opted to start with having her ovaries removed. However, the doctor did not like what he saw on the ultrasound. When they went in to remove her ovaries, they discovered Stage 3 ovarian cancer. You know the rest of the story.

FORCE - Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered - is the only national non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers. At least six of our family members have attended the last two annual FORCE Conferences. The 10th Annual Conference is being held this October in Orlando, FL. At the past two Conferences, more than 700 people from dozens of states and a dozen countries attended.

The Conference presents a wide range of topics and the latest research on hereditary cancers. Attendees include people concerned about hereditary cancer: survivors, previvors, people with a BRCA mutation or family history of cancer, patient advocates, researchers, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients.

It is estimated that 85-90% of people who have a genetic mutation that increases the risk of getting cancer do not know that they have the mutation. FORCE has been instrumental in spreading the word through a variety of educational programs and research efforts.

FORCE offers limited financial aid for select individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial reasons. We have set up this Tribute Wall to help raise funds for scholarships for people to be able to attend the FORCE Conference. Your donation in tribute to Sheila will help others learn about the latest research regarding hereditary cancers, the various options open to them and how the families of mutation carriers deal with the situation.