Megan was a fun loving young woman who loved life. 

She was a 32 year old wife and mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She was beautiful, funny and a friend to everyone. Megan attended Noblesville High School and graduated with a bachelor degree in elementary education from Indiana University. While in college she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Megan began her career as a teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary School in Noblesville, teaching fourth-grade. Though she loved teaching, after her first child Katherine was born she decided to become a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

On July 14, 2008, Megan was diagnosed with breast cancer. Megan was 32-years-old and 32 weeks pregnant with her second daughter. Three weeks later, Megan gave birth to Lauren, and with the love and support of her whole family, Megan began the journey of a young mother battling breast cancer.

From the beginning she was very positive. Megan was the first person to sign up for Indianapolis’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in 2009, and the following year she was the race’s fourth highest fundraiser. In both 2009 and 2010, Megan had over 125 members of her KCA team in the race. Megan was chosen as New Balance’s “Survivor of the Year” and helped lead the survivors parade in 2009.

Megan underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Her battle was filled with more complications than progress on many occasions. Megan spent days, even an entire month at one point, in the hospital. With every set back she stayed strong. She always remained diligent in her fight to heal and quest to spend as much time as possible with her family.

Cancer seemed to magnify all of Megan’s best qualities, and tenacity was certainly one of them. She spent her last days fighting, planning, and preparing, not just for herself, but, also for her family, friends, and fellow survivors. Knowing firsthand, the difficult emotional and physical anguish of fighting breast cancer, Megan envisioned an organization that would help families cope.

Megan and Tom Ott founded the Megan S. Ott Foundation in March 2010, one month before Megan passed away.

Megan lost her battle on April 24, 2010. She was 34. She left her family and this foundation as her legacy.

Courage is not the absence of fear.
Courage is the will to go on in spite of it.