Take a stand

September is National Ovarian Cancer month, and as many of you are already aware, Ovarian Cancer is something very emotional for me. It pains me that there is no effective screening method for early detection, and that nearly 22,000 women this year alone will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, and 15,000 of those women will die from the 5th deadliest cancer to women (1). Every woman has a 1 in 67 lifetime risk of ovarian cancer.

Non-profit organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) have made it their mission to fund research, raise awareness, promote education, improving the survival rate and helping women cope with their diagnosis. So in order to do my part to help raise awareness, I've listed ways for you to get involved. Regardless of your level of commitment, there is something for everyone, because this is a disease that "whispers, so listen"

Ways to get involved:
1) Visit the websites of OCRF or NOCC to educate yourself on early signs and detection.
2) Visit Loreal Color of Hope, share your story or purchase their Color of Hope collection - $29.99, $5 of which will be donated to OCRF
3) Visit Kelly Confidential during the month of September to make a $5 "text" donation, send virtual t-shirts or purchase a Kelly Ripa designed t-shirt.
4) Visit Seventh Generation's Let's talk period website and register - $1 will be donated to OCRF.

5) Donate directly to OCRF or NOCC

6) Participate in a walk to support ovarian cancer research - Central Ohio 2009 Strides for Hope
7) Volunteer at any number of local organizations.
8) Search out your own way to get involved.
9) Ask your gynecologist to evaluate your risk factors and openly discuss prevention methods.


1 - Loreal Color of Hope website - "The Facts"