Return to Main Menu

MUSC patient appears on ‘The Tyra Banks Show’ by Megan Fink Public Relations Like most 17-year-old girls, Cortney Wright loves to shop. Unlike her high school classmates, Wright has overcome stage III ovarian cancer.   Wright was diagnosed a year ago after seeking medical attention for stomach cramps. A grapefruit-sized growth was discovered on her abdomen, causing Wright to lose her left ovary, lymph nodes and adjacent fatty tissue. She also had to undergo chemotherapy.   “Cortney is a young lady who, despite undergoing extensive surgery followed by chemotherapy, is very upbeat, with a sparkling personality,” said William Creasman, M.D., professor of Gynecological Oncology Division. “She looks positively at her situation and the future. Fortunately, she has a very good chance of beating her cancer and leading a very productive life.”   While being treated at MUSC, she submitted a wish to the Make-A-Wish Foundation with the assistance of resident Elizabeth Gagliardi, M.D., Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology. Wright’s wish was to fly to New York City for a shopping spree and model her newly-acquired wardrobe on The Tyra Banks Show. Not only was Wright’s wish selected, but her cancer is now in remission.   “She has faced every diagnosis, setback and achievement with perseverance and dedication,” said Gagliardi. “She has approached her disease with a phenomenal attitude, and she refuses to allow her cancer to beat her down. She has the maturity of a woman twice her age.”   In addition to modeling on Bank’s runway, Wright wants to be a role model to other children facing medical challenges. She plans to launch a business, called “Young, Scared, and Strong,” and write an autobiography.   The Georgetown teen’s appearance aired Jan. 30.     Friday, Feb. 1, 2008 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.