Tori Franklin: A Journey of Strength, Faith, and Hope
Tori Franklin, a Greenville native and Wade Hampton High School graduate, was living a full life as a busy single mom and social media marketing lead when cancer interrupted her world at age 29. Her journey with a rare form of ovarian cancer is one of calm strength, deep faith, and a renewed appreciation for every single day.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
On November 21, 2025, Tori pushed through a workday despite intense stomach cramps and bloating that made even driving painful. After texting her aunt for advice and hearing “go straight to the ER,” she arrived that evening. Hours later, a CT scan revealed a nearly 10-centimeter mass on her ovary. What began as suspected appendicitis quickly became something far more serious.
Tori was admitted to the hospital as doctors weighed whether the gynecologic or oncology team would lead her care. Tests confirmed a rare granulosa cell tumor.
Surgery and a Caring Oncologist
On December 18, 2025, she underwent surgery. Her gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Larry Puls, sat with her beforehand and carefully discussed her fertility goals. He successfully removed the tumor, her left fallopian tube, and left ovary while preserving her right ovary and future possibilities.
At her follow-up appointment on January 12, 2026, about three weeks after surgery, pathology showed the cancer had reached stage two because it involved the fallopian tube. Dr. Puls recommended three rounds of chemotherapy. Tori was hesitant—she had never known anyone her age to go through chemo—but she agreed after her doctor encouraged her to try one round and then reassess.
Leaning on Love and Support
Throughout treatment, Tori leaned strongly on her loved ones. Her boyfriend stayed by her side, offering daily encouragement and gentle humor. Her mom and aunt stepped in to care for her two boys, ages 6 and 10, who showed their own sweet support. Her work team—close friends as much as colleagues—provided laughter and understanding during a difficult time.
On March 25, 2026, after completing three rounds of chemotherapy over roughly ten weeks, Tori entered remission. The moment brought relief mixed with the realization that the journey continues in new ways: the anxiety of follow-up scans, the occasional worry when a headache or cramp appears, and the emotional shift that comes after cancer.
Family, Fertility, and Future Hope
Tori’s two sons remain her greatest joy and motivation. She is deeply grateful that Dr. Puls preserved her fertility options and looks forward to possibly welcoming more children when the time feels right.
Faith, Gratitude, and a New Perspective
A woman of strong faith, Tori found herself drawing even closer to God during treatment. She moved from asking “Why me?” to asking “What can I learn?” and “How can I grow through this?” Her perspective on life has shifted profoundly. “Cancer doesn’t have you—you control it,” she says with quiet conviction. “Never lose hope. Stick to your faith and live every day to the fullest.”
Before cancer, Tori cherished simple pleasures: watching her boys at sporting events, exploring Greenville’s restaurant scene, and bonding with her all-female marketing team. Now, she continues these joys with greater intention.
A Special Place: The Cancer Survivors Park
The Cancer Survivors Park holds special meaning for Tori. She helped clean the grounds years earlier and felt an instant connection, especially knowing her father had prostate cancer and her mother had breast cancer. “I never thought I would be the one with a story here,” she reflects.
Now 30 and focused on continued healing, Tori looks ahead to her 31st birthday as a true celebration of life. With her family’s love, her boyfriend’s steadfast support, and a spirit full of thankfulness, she embraces each new day. “This too shall pass” has long been one of her favorite sayings. Today, it carries an even deeper truth.
Story by Mary Pat Minor of Everloom, SC
Photo by Sliced Tomato Productions