Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Lushbaugh.
Hi Jan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2015, I relocated to Tennessee, and in November 2016, I received a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer. The diagnosis was unexpected, as I consistently received healthy results from my annual gynecological examinations and prioritized managing my health. However, I was not aware that ovarian cancer cannot be detected during routine check-ups, nor was I familiar with its symptoms. After three days of playing 18 holes of golf, I found a painful knot in my abdomen, which I thought was a pulled muscle from golfing. When the issue persisted, I sought advice from my doctor, who referred me to an oncologist. Soon after, surgery was scheduled to remove what doctors’ thought was a benign cyst. Post-surgery, I received a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer and quickly began chemotherapy. My faith, and support from family, and friends helped me through this illness. Upon reflection, I question whether the symptoms I overlooked may have contributed to my condition and recognize that earlier detection might have resulted in a more favorable prognosis and less intensive treatment.
Ovarian cancer affects approximately 1 in 75 women. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Due to its subtle signs and symptoms, it is frequently referred to as the “silent killer,” with most cases being recognized at an advanced stage. Survival rates decrease drastically in later stages, and currently, there is no screening test available for ovarian cancer.
I founded Tennessee in Teal, a nonprofit focused on ovarian cancer awareness, education, and public outreach. We support women at all stages—newly diagnosed, facing recurrence, or surviving. We frequently raise public awareness about this deadly cancer by speaking at sororities, luncheons, appearing on news broadcasts, receiving proclamations, lighting up areas in teal across Tennessee and engaging in other outreach activities to share our message. In March 2026, I will reach eight years NED (no evidence of disease), but recurrence is still possible. My aim is to help others recognize ovarian cancer symptoms and increase awareness, as there is currently no early detection test. Ovarian cancer frequently goes undetected until it has progressed to later stages. I advocate for more research, funding, and knowledge to promote early screening, leading to fewer late diagnoses. I hope raising awareness leads to early detection and better treatments. Visit our website https://TNinTeal.org and follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to learn more about Tennessee in Teal!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Undergoing chemotherapy presents numerous challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells but also healthy ones. I experienced profound fatigue and a deep, all-encompassing exhaustion; my body ached so intensely that even turning over to reach water was difficult. Nausea and appetite changes are common, and I lost my sense of taste. Hair loss occurs on the head, face, and body. Neuropathy developed in my feet and hands. Perhaps most frustrating is the brain fog: sometimes words are clear in my mind, but I can’t express them verbally, or I forget the words I intend to say. My immune system became very weak as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I retired from Music & Arts—a division of Guitar Center—in 2019, one year after undergoing chemotherapy. Recognizing the importance of raising awareness about ovarian cancer, I founded Tennessee in Teal, a nonprofit organization focused on the state of Tennessee. I remain actively involved in this nonprofit, working to promote awareness, education, and public outreach across Tennessee.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My faith in God helped me overcome ovarian cancer; it has been my foundation and continually affirms the mission I’m meant to pursue. My husband, Dale is my greatest advocate and a constant source of strength. I first met Amanda Sobhani, now an ovarian cancer survivor, through NOCC—she was the first person I consulted about forming a nonprofit and now serves on our Board of Directors. Pam Holden, also a survivor and our nonprofit’s Vice President, has been my go-to person for everything related to TN in Teal. She works tirelessly to raise funds through our various fundraisers. Dr. Brook Saunders and Christy Hancock, RN, are also members of our board. Jim Deavers, our treasurer, has been invaluable to our organization. Our son Derek Lushbaugh and his wife Melissa, who own South Made Marketing, have done outstanding work promoting awareness of the disease and our nonprofit on social media. Our son Tyler Lushbaugh and his wife Joselyn have been supportive as well, donating handcrafted wood and pottery items for our auctions. Our daughter Jenna and her husband Andy, along with other family members, neighbors, and friends, have all offered their support.
Pricing:
- donations always welcomed
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tninteal.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tninteal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558087025979
- Other: https://www.wvlt.tv/2025/09/02/tennessee-teal-spreading-awareness-ovarian-cancer-with-walk-downtown-knoxville/
