A Personal Affair

We are within a week of the NOCC Walk to Break the Silence. Stacey Baca of ABC 7 News will once again host the event along with her sister, ten year ovarian cancer survivor, Lynn Baca. Stacey's interview with ovarian cancer survivors, Rachel Hoyt and Liz Cory, reinforces that it is essential to  know your body, reach out for medical attention early, and seek out a gynecological oncologist if needed.

With new sponsors, and live music, the day is billed as a family event.  Cancer can come across to some as a topic to avoided under the cloak of fear and death. The NOCC Walk is a celebratory time of hope and promises for a bright future, as we encourage and honor survivors. We are grateful to every Team Chasen A Cure sponsor, for they are not just making a donation to a organization, but directly supporting us as we spread the symptom awareness message. NOCC symptom awareness reminder cards were available at the It's Everything for Women event in Edwardsville, IL on April 25th. Melanie and Cheryl were able to openly and personally share information and answer questions, helping women comfortably discuss their health. Ovarian cancer does not define Melanie as a person. She passes out Teal Toes cards, hangs posters at local businesses, participates in events, while demonstrating that being a survivor is about being fearless and living every day.

Photo credit: Cheryl Hartson Johnson

There will be teams next week who will be walking in memory of a mom, grandma or sister, carrying a banner with photos of happy times. In the faces of the team, you can recognize the same shape of the face or the crooked smile. Little ones, who will walk or be pushed in strollers, may have no memories of those lost less for the stories and memories shared. There are poignant moments in the ABC 7 video of photos of Lynn and Rachel; surrounded by family and friends, in happy times and supporting them during their struggles.  This is a personal affair for us all. 

Memory Wall at FamiliesROC Copyright Brandi Brown

An All Teal Weekend

Chicago in Teal for the NOCC Teal Lights Celebration. Photo credit: Sarah Jones Design

It was a full weekend for Ovarian Cancer Awareness - much celebrating of life and spreading the word.

NOCC Chapter Coordinator Karen Young, ABC 7 Stacy Baca, Miss Illinois USA, Ashley Hooks, NOCC Chapter Manager, Jennifer Sloan. Photo credit: Sarah Jones Design

Friday, Sept 21st Chicago was bathed in teal lights for the NOCC Teal Lights Celebration and Fundraiser. ABC's Stacy Baca was the emcee for the evening which featured keynote speaker Miss Illinois USA, Ashley Hooks. As a daughter of a recently diagnosed ovarian cancer patient, Miss Hooks has added ovarian cancer awareness to her platform for her reign. “For my mom's sake and for the sake of all women, we all can contribute to the cause by educating ourselves and our loved ones on how to be more proactive with our gynecological health, so that we live longer, fuller and healthier lives.", shared Miss Hooks. As Ashley travels throughout her reign, she will touch many lives and be an effective spokesperson for awareness.

Know Your Body Raffle Prize

Chasen A Cure at the Health in the Heights

Health in the Heights was held Saturday, Sept 22nd at the Arlington Height Memorial Library. The Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Committee welcomed  Chasen A Cure for Ovarian Cancer to spread the word on ovarian cancer and to Know Your Body. Exchanging  stories with those who's lives had been touched by ovarian cancer along with sharing facts with those who needed to be In the Know, made it a worthwhile event for Ovarian Cancer month.  Thanks to NOCC, the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry and Teal Toes for all of the awareness takeaway information as well as sponsor Visual Enterprise Systems, Inc.

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Team Chasen A Cure Photo credit: Cheryl Harston Johnson

Team Chasen A Cure Photo credit: Cheryl Harston Johnson

 
The FamiliesROC Walk was held on a beautiful Sunday, Sept 23 and it was a beautiful showing by Team Chasen A Cure. A fabulous gathering of survivors and families, once again raised research funds for the Siteman Cancer Center.

All of these wonderful events and there is still more time to spread the word. Keep wearing your teal!

ABC 7's Stacey Baca's NOCC Walk interview

Were you up early this morning watching  Stacey Baca's interview with David Barley, CEO of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) and Elizabeth Isham Cory, President of the NOCC Board of Directors on ABC 7? Here is the link to watch on the ABC website.
Great video from last year's Walk - fun to recognize teams - plus Stacey's sister Lynn - 9 year Ovarian Cancer survivor. Plus that great message - Be your own Health Care Advocate.