Ovary-act THIS FEBRUARY AND SAVE LIVES

This February, ovarian cancer awareness month, Australians are encouraged to help save lives by painting the town teal, the international colour for ovarian cancer.

With the lowest survival rate of any women’s cancer and little treatment improvement in nearly 50 years, Aussies are being encouraged to raise vital funds for those impacted by the disease.

Every year in Australia more than 1600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 1000 will die; only 45 per cent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive five years’ post diagnosis – well below the average for all cancers in Australia.

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) CEO Jane Hill is urging people to host a Paint the Town Teal fundraising event which can range in size from a BBQ or dinner party right up to an events night.

“We rely on our fundraising community so we can continue to deliver awareness, support, advocacy and research programs. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest women’s cancer in Australia and is also one of the most underfunded,” Ms Hill said.

“OCA is the only organisation providing specialised support to those affected by ovarian cancer – the women living with the disease as well as their loved ones – through support groups, our helpline, resilience kit, online resources and more.

“Paint the Town Teal fundraising events can range from an intimate movie night, a BBQ with friends, an afternoon tea or a gala dinner. You could host a day at the races, a high tea, a casual dress day in the workplace, or a golf day.

“Sporting events are a great way to fundraise- you could even involve your local club. Wear the colour teal for a match or sell teal ribbons to players and spectators. You are only limited by your imagination.”

In 2019 OCA’s Paint the Town Teal fundraising initiative aims to raise $500,000 to contribute to a range of initiatives designed to aid women and their families.

Get involved by registering your Paint the Town Teal fundraising event at paintthetownteal.net.au, like and follow Ovarian Cancer Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for some ‘tealspiration’ for your Paint the Town Teal fundraiser.

Australians can also raise funds and show their support by wearing a teal ribbon throughout February – particularly on Teal Ribbon Day, Wednesday 27 February 2019.

Teal ribbons are available for $3 at ovariancancer.net.au.