TOLEDO, Ohio — On Sept. 6, dozens of brave folks will suit up and rappel down or climb up a 16-story downtown Toledo building. It's all to raise money for The Victory Center, which provides free, non-medical support services to cancer survivors, patients and their families.
Two women who are taking on the challenge say their "why" is two-fold.
Sarah Ortyl and Allyssa Siebarth are oncology infusion nurses at Mercy Health's St. Anne's Hospital. The pair have been working together for a few years, caring for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy treatment.
But about a year ago, they'd learn they share more than just a job title.
"Our diagnoses were about three weeks apart. So, we were kind of attached in a way. 'Ovary sisters,'" Sarah said.
"Ovary sisters, yeah," Allyssa agreed.
The pair would share similar experiences over the course of their treatment for ovarian cancer, including a hysterectomy.
"Lots of late-night calls about 'what do you think about this?' or 'what about this?' All the things that nobody really wants to talk about," Sarah said. "It was really nice because we could freely talk with one another."
Allyssa added, "And be able to support each other through the same thing."
In their jobs, Sarah and Allyssa came to know about the services provided to patients at The Victory Center.
"We refer them a lot," Sarah said. "We do a lot of referring to them and educating our patients on the wonderful services they offer."
Allyssa received her first wig from The Victory Center's wig bank and while she's afraid of heights, she jokingly suggested the two go Over the Edge for the Victory Center.
"Then I'm like, 'no, we're doing it. We're going to do this and we're not going to look back,'" Sarah said.
"I'm just focusing on, it's for the patients," Allyssa said. "We're raising money for them to get these free services and keep The Victory Center going," Allyssa said.
Both women are now cancer free, but they say their life experiences have allowed them to be better at their jobs.
"Oncology and cancer is kind of a roller coaster of emotions and it's kind of nice to have that empathy and that insight to say 'this is a moment that may not be so great, but we're going to get you through it. We've been through it. So we're gonna get you through it,'" Sarah said.
Over the Edge is Friday. You can head to downtown Toledo's Levis Square at 300 Madison Avenue and cheer on those who are rappelling and learn more about the services offered at The Victory Center. Unable to attend? You can also make a donation here.
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