The Rivkin Center’s Rivkin Program
The Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer’s Education program provides free health education workshops across the west coast. Rivkin Edu facilitators share their cancer journey with Rivkin Edu party attendees and help educate women on ovarian and breast health.
Say hello to Ilyse Wagner, Rivkin Edu facilitator.
About Ilyse
Where are you from? Seattle, WA
Where do you live now and what does a typical day look like for you? Bellevue, WA. I work full time and have three teenage children at home so life’s pretty busy.
What do you do for fun? Hang out with friends, read, run
What is your favorite mantra? Assume best intentions
What is your favorite drink? Water
What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t sweat the small stuff
What are you most proud of? Being able to balance work, a family, and time for myself
Where has been your favorite place to travel? Hawaii and Paris
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I love watching sports and keep score when I go to baseball games
Where do you go to find inspiration? Friends (actual friends, not the TV show)
Where’s your happy place? Stand Up Paddle boarding on Lake Sammamish
Who is your role model? My mom (of blessed memory)
How Ilyse got involved
What inspired you to get involved with Rivkin Edu? Rivkin Education program inspired me to do self-exams, which led to my finding a lump which was diagnosed as breast cancer
What is your favorite memory from a Rivkin Edu party? I facilitated a party where everyone was constantly interrupting to ask questions or share experiences and I loved how engaged they were
How can people help support someone who is going through cancer? Don’t ask what they need, just jump in and offer to do something (bring a meal, give their kids a ride, go for a walk, etc.)
What is the most important thing you want attendees to learn at a Rivkin Edu party? No one knows your body like you do and you control your own health and healthcare
How many Rivkin Edu parties have you hosted or attended? A lot!
How many total attendees have you hosted? About 40 (I’ve hosted parties at Microsoft and for high school girls and their mothers)
Learn more about the Rivkin Education program
Want to learn more about becoming an facilitator? Share your story.