This Ties That Bind Us is sponsored by Matt The Carpet Guy.
LEWES, Del. - Teal bows went up all across Lewes' historic district on Aug. 26, but the meaning they held goes beyond their visual. The Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises both awareness and funds for ovarian cancer. The display comes ahead of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Volunteers and ovarian cancer survivors gathered at Zwaanendael Park to tie teal bows to light poles. The display comes ahead of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco and state Sen. Russ Huxtable were among those participating in the campaign, which was led locally by foundation Vice President Sally Oberle.
According to the organization, ovarian cancer affects 1 in 70 females of ANY age. Due to late diagnoses ( less than 20 Percent are diagnosed early) and a high recurrence rate (70-90 percent) it is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers.
Oberle became a a part of the organization after losing her sister to ovarian cancer. Oberle says, "The symptoms are really vague. It could be something as simple as bloating, or difficulty eating or trouble going to the bathroom. You know, something very simple that you would kind of blow off. And a lot of women, you know, just do ignore it or put it down to, you know, women problems. But it can happen to girls as young as two years old."
For survivors, the Turn The Towns Teal campaign provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease. One survivor who participated, Donna Verner was diagnosed 22 years ago and was lucky enough to catch the disease in it's early stages. Verner believes that being proactive in your health is essential.
"You have to be your own advocate for yourself. It doesn't matter what disease you have, but you have to know your own body and really advocate. And don't take no for an answer. If you don't get the help that you need, then you go find someone who will help you."
Organizers say the teal bows provide the visual reminder, while educational brochures are a key part of the campaign. The brochures, available at local businesses and summer concerts, list symptoms and provide additional information about ovarian cancer.
The Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation will be hosting a 5k and one mile walk at Rockford Park in Wilmington on Sept. 19.
