People often carry unseen burdens, enduring pain silently. This was the case for 20-year-old Allison Fisher. In 2020, Fisher began experiencing severe stomach pain and irregular menstrual cycles, with a period lasting an entire year. She avoided seeking medical help due to her fear of doctors focusing on her weight rather than her symptoms. “I let myself believe that if I ignored it, it would go away,” she admitted. Her anxiety was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As her condition worsened, Fisher noticed a growing mass in her stomach, which eventually became “rock hard.” She found it difficult to stand, drive, or perform daily activities. “I felt like I was pregnant with 10 kids,” she explained, describing the discomfort and pressure she felt.

By Christmas 2022, Fisher’s symptoms had intensified to the point where breathing became difficult, prompting her to finally seek medical help. Her mother’s cancer diagnosis in 2021 also motivated her to address her own health issues.

Dr. Martin Martino diagnosed Fisher with a 104-lb. ovarian cyst containing 46 liters of fluid. The surgery required pulmonary and cardiology specialists due to the cyst’s complications. Fisher’s courage in seeking help has given her what she calls a “second chance” at life.