Turn The Page

September was filled with fabulous awareness activities - from the beautiful teal lights, waters flowing teal, fun walks with furry friends and wellness lunches to share symptom awareness. As we turn the page to a new month, ovarian cancer symptom awareness events don’t have to come to an end. 

The turning of teal to pink is marked by Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer week.  The result of the efforts of FORCE, the goal of HBOC week is to raise awareness about hereditary cancer. Knowing your family history is vital to understanding your level of risk. Removing the stigma of cancer diagnosis and open discussion of family history – among both men and women – be it ovarian, breast, colon or prostate cancer – is essential for empowering your health.

There are small steps in our circle of influence that help promote ovarian cancer awareness. Consider adding the NOCC Cancer Quiz to your email signature or Facebook page. Although sandal season may be coming to a close, have a supply of Teal Toes cards available to leave with your tip at your next manicure or latte. Keep those hooks and needles moving for Teal Hat Project and share your good wishes with a survivor.

Always ready to take the opportunity to educate, Team Chasen A Cure will be at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Chamber Health Fair on Saturday, October 5^th. Continually speaking on symptoms, self-awareness and health advocacy is an effort to make TEAL as recognizable as pink. Don't let the turn of the calendar page keep you from supporting ovarian cancer warriors in their daily fight

The Power of 1000 Balloons

September 14th could not have been a more picture perfect day for the 2013 OCSA Annual Walk for the Goose. Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness’ Veterinary Outreach Program (VOP) drew pet lovers with 4-legged friends to join together on the 3 mile walk on the Great Western Trail.

Yummy Treats and a Celebratory Teal Bone from Wiggle Waggles

Staff from Elmhurst Animal Hospital



Dr. Cindy Charlier of Fox Valley Veterinary Dentistry performed complimentary dental exams



There was fun to be shared with sponsor tents, a raffle and complimentary pet dental exams. This was also a poignant occasion for many, including the family and friends of late Susan Roman, a co-founder of OCSA.

 

At ISVMA convention in November of 2012, Dr. Julian Schink began the kick off of VOP by asking the audience for a show of hands of those whose lives had been touched by ovarian cancer. The number who raised their hands startled Dr. Kurt Klepitsch of Gateway Veterinary Hospital of St. Charles, IL. He had no personal connection and related ovarian cancer only with Gilda Radner. It was not long before, Dr. Klepitsch had to include himself in that select group as his young niece Katelyn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Last month, Kate lost her battle with ovarian cancer at age 20. Dr. Klepitsch spoke of his daughter’s dream before the balloon release at her cousin Kate’s funeral service – a dream of one balloon left afloat busting open releasing 1000 new balloons. Each opportunity to spread the signs of ovarian cancer is a chance to be one of those thousand balloons, filling the sky with TEAL for those you love, and for Susan and Kate.