North County teen fighting cancer receives news from doctor
Riley Benado. Photo courtesy of the Benado family.
–Paso Robles High School graduate, 18-year-old Riley Benado, was diagnosed on Sept. 23 with stage three ovarian cancer. Almost three weeks later and after an extensive surgery. Benado received a call on Oct. 12 that her cancer had been removed and at this point no chemotherapy would be needed, according to a press release from the family. A community who bas been ‘Rallying for Riley’ is overjoyed.
“Right now, my family and I are just so speechless. I am so thankful that this emotional journey had such an amazing outcome,” Benado said. “I will continue living life thankful.”
The former varsity cheer captain and current Cuesta College student was given the diagnoses of stage three ovarian cancer after complaining of pelvis cramps and bloating. Two days after her heartbreaking diagnosis Benado was put into the care of Dr. O’Hanlan, OB/GYN Oncology specialist in the Stanford area. After hours of surgery, O’Hanlan was able to save one ovary and her uterus, but is bewildered at the type of tumors that overtook Benado’s abdomen. Cells from every tumor were tested as the Benado family patiently awaited the results.
The community came together to help the Benado family with a Facebook page and campaign #RallyForRiley, used to show the teen support. Although the two fundraising events, Scare Away Cancer and Rockin’ for Riley, have been canceled the family will continue to incur medical expenses. Benado also created a blog chronicling her journey.
Benado is now home resting and overwhelmed at the outpouring support and generosity of her community. She expressed her gratitude to the community. friends, family and doctors. “I truly can’t thank you all enough. the support of the community has helped my family,” she said. “It leaves me speechless… and I hope this is bringing awareness to this disease for other girls and families out there.”
