Published Sep 23, 2020

Gift In Honor Of Mom’s Birthday Moves Comedian Kevin Hart to Tears; She Died of Ovarian Cancer 13 Years Ago

Kevin Hart receives a stunning portrait of his late mom, and lovingly wishes her a very happy birthday.

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Hart Honors His Mom

The actor shared, with his 99 million Instagram followers, a beautiful painting of his late mom, Nancy Hart.
The late Mrs. Hart, who supported Kevin by paying his rent when he couldn’t, died of ovarian cancer in 2007.
Advances have been made in ovarian cancer treatment and genetic testing since she died.

He's known for joking around, but sometimes Kevin Hart gets serious and remembering someone you love who’s no longer with us will do that to you. Hart posted a somber-looking photo on Instagram of him posing alongside a massive painting of his late mother, Nancy Hart, who died in 2007 after an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdvvULl2sd/?igshid=clo631kpcjjc

The comedian called the large portrait of Nancy, "One of the best gifts that I have ever received."

The Hole That Cancer Left

Remembering his late mother, he said he had "real tears of joy." No matter how much time passes, losing a parent hits hard, especially on those special days. He sent his mom birthday wishes, writing "Happy B Day mom RIP." The loving and devoted son recalls, in his 2017 New York Times-bestselling book, I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons, how his mother supported him in his early days as a comic in Philadelphia.

Related: Kevin Hart, Who Lost Mom to Ovarian Cancer, Will Soon Welcome Baby Girl: 'We're Going To Throw In The Towel After That'

In the humor memoir, Hart writes about how his mother gave him money to pay his rent so that he could focus on performing. A deeply religious woman, she hid his rent money for him to find in of all places the pages of the Holy Bible. When he asked her for money, she'd ask him back, "Have you read your Bible lately?" Because that's where it was hidden, he later discovered.

In addition to providing a financial cushion as he was making his way towards superstardom, Hart's mother was a powerful force in his life. In an Instagram post, Hart called her "the best mom to ever do it." The doting son misses her "daily," he wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAAx6j-lKia/?utm_source=ig_embed

Hart faced more cancer-related loss just this year, after the death of fellow actor and friend, Chadwick Boseman.

The two had plans to do a movie together before the 43-year-old actor died of colon cancer.

Advancements in Ovarian Cancer

There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, which makes it one of the more difficult cancers in terms of early diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs Can be Subtle

Symptoms to look out for in ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, unexplained weight loss, pelvis pain, constipation, and the need to urinate. Due to these vague symptoms, ovarian cancer has been called the cancer that "whispers."

However, thanks to advances in treatment like genetic testing, surgical techniques, and PARP inhibitor drug therapies, the prognosis for those facing ovarian cancer has improved since Hart's mother passed away.

Genetic Testing Urged by Experts

Cancer experts encourage women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to get genetic testing at the time of their diagnosis. Too few women are being tested for mutations such as the BRCA gene, experts say.

How Genes Can Shape A Woman's Ovarian Cancer Care, And Her Family's Medical Decisions

The presence of the BRCA gene mutations (i.e. BRCA1 or BRCA2) influences treatment decisions for ovarian cancer. The mutations can also indicate if a person has an increased risk of breast cancer.

And as the medical community continues to research cancer, instigate clinical trials, and look for more answers, hope continues for all those fighting ovarian cancer.

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