Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women, and according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, it is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. So when Kristen Varley was diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer in 2003, the numbers were not in her favor. However, she was able to overcome the disease, and what she's done since has caused us to highlight her as a woman who is SO empowered.

Defeating cancer is enough to gain admiration from us, but Varley went the extra mile. Instead of sitting back and just thanking her lucky stars she survived, Varley started an organization to increase awareness and raise money for research to fight the disease. Her project, the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, hosts several events in Philadelphia to further her cause. The organization's signature event is the Teal Ribbon 5k Race Against Time. This spring, the eighth annual Race Against Time was held in May 2012 and nearly 400 people participated.

Ms. Varley is a strong woman who overcame one of the deadliest cancers a woman can have, and we admire the determination she has displayed in continuing to work toward eradicating ovarian cancer not only from her, but from others. That's why she is SO empowered.

FletcherPR is a national communications firm that specializes in reaching women through the power of media. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN with staff in Nashville & Los Angeles, we are a full-service agency providing strategic public relations, social media and marketing communications services to our clients throughout the U.S.