Key Facts

• Margena A. Christian was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer on June 5, 2025.
• Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early because it often has no symptoms and is not found in routine exams.
• She was finishing a book about Sylvia Moy, Motown’s first female in-house songwriter-producer.
• Cancer was diagnosed after symptoms caused by blood clots related to a tumor on her ovary.
• Treatment included major surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy caused side effects like the risk of nerve damage, especially in her hands.
• She used ice mittens during chemo to prevent nerve damage and stayed motivated by her book project.
• Music helped her emotionally during her cancer fight.