After surviving ovarian cancer, an Anteater alumna now champions research that could help save others
In 2022, Megan Yoo Schneider ’12, M.S. ’14 was in the middle of her doctoral program in education at the University of Pennsylvania when something didn’t feel right. She started experiencing painful stomach problems. She could barely eat, yet she was gaining weight.
Doctors at another health center believed she had a noncancerous tumor in her right ovary. But when Schneider sought a second opinion from UCI Health gynecologic oncologist Robert E. Bristow, M.D., MBA, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, he wasn’t convinced.
The timing felt almost surreal.
“Ironically, for my research, I picked the topic of significant life experiences and how they relate to leader identity and adult development in the workplace context,” she says.
She would soon face one of those defining life experiences firsthand.
Bristow performed surgery to remove the tumor, taking a careful approach in case it turned out to be cancerous. If it was, the surgical method would reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other parts of the body.
His instincts proved correct.
While Schneider was recovering in the hospital, Bristow came to speak with her.
“He told me, ‘I have good news and bad news,’” she recalls. ‘“The post-surgery biopsy revealed that you had ovarian cancer, but we think we got all of it.’”
More than 240,000 U.S. women are living with ovarian cancer, and the five-year relative survival rate is just over 50 percent. The disease can be aggressive, sometimes progressing from Stage 1 to Stage 4 in a matter of weeks.
Schneider says the care she received from Bristow and the team at UCI Health made all the difference.
“They saw me as a person, not just a patient.”
“My pride as a [UC Irvine] alumna continues to grow because of how UCI continues to evolve.”
With the worst behind her and a bright future ahead, Bristow introduced Schneider to the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge, a community fundraising program that supports research at the university’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only NCI-designated cancer center in Orange County.
“He said, ‘You’re young, energetic and passionate. I figured you’d be the perfect person to recruit,’” she says.
Fundraising for the Anti-Cancer Challenge culminates every October in a day of cycling, runs, walks and a festival. Because UC Irvine and sponsors cover the administrative costs, every dollar raised directly by participants supports cancer research and is tax-deductible. The community event is celebrating its 10th year in 2026.
“Some really incredible research is happening on campus related to ovarian cancer,” Schneider says. “I’m very interested in seeing that continue.”
This year’s event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 10, includes a 5K run/walk; 14-, 35-, 60- and 100-mile bike rides, and a mountain bike course. Over the past decade, more than 17,500 participants have raised $7.7 million to support cancer research.
“The festival is so fun – there’s Peter the Anteater, a band, free food and activities for kids, like bounce houses and face painting, plus a health pavilion where different researchers share their experiences,” she says.
Along with fundraising, Schneider says the event also builds community awareness. “It’s great to realize that so many people care about funding cancer research.”
Megan Yoo Schneider shares her story as an ovarian cancer survivor and highlights the importance of raising awareness and funding for critical cancer research through the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge.
Schneider has turned the Anti-Cancer Challenge into a personal mission. Throughout the year, she organizes fundraising events ranging from makers’ markets and concerts to selling pottery and fresh eggs from her backyard chickens.
“My husband has made cutting boards and barbecue rub,” she says. “Other friends and survivors make soap and salsa. We figure out everything we can to sell and fundraise. I try to do something every month.”
Her personal goal this year is $30,000. “I’ve learned that, as long as I don’t give up, anything is possible.”
Her message to fellow alumni is simple: Everyone can contribute in meaningful ways.
“It doesn’t have to start with something like a $50,000 impact for UCI,” she says. “Do whatever you can. It adds up – and it saves lives.”
When Schneider first enrolled at UC Irvine as an engineering student, she says she had no idea where her journey with the university would lead.
Now, that journey has come full circle.
“Every year, I’m walking away with so much more, in terms of what I get back and the opportunities that I’m able to give,” Schneider says. “My pride as an alumna continues to grow because of how UCI continues to evolve.”
Every dollar raised goes to fund cancer research at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Take on the challenge and get involved today.
