Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I want everyone to be aware of Ovarian Cancer and How to Detect this often overlooked disease. Just by you reading it (Donations are completely optional but of course very welcome to get to my target!) I hope that I have created a bit more awareness of this dreadful disease and that it might help save the life of perhaps someone you know so please pass the message on.
It's sometimes referred to as the 'Silent Killer' Let's get everyone talking about it including the Public and Health Professionals and with the help of Teal Blue Ribbons and wristbands etc make it instantly recognisable as a topic of discussion and a prominent campaign. Loraine died on 7th November 2012 and I pledged to her with her blessing that I would do all I could to create awareness and if one life is saved then this campaign will be worthwhile. Please help as much as you can.Thank you. Kevin X
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in over 6000 women annually in the UK and the number is growing. Sadly also over 4000 women die from it annually in the UK. It can affect women of any age and is not detected by smear tests but early diagnosis and/or increasingly successful and better treatments are giving much greater hope.
My wife Loraine was diagnosed with Stage 3C Advanced Ovarian Cancer on Christmas Eve 2011. This was after only a few weeks of tummy bloating (not everyone experiences this) and other symptoms such as feeling full/discomfort that can so easily be wrongly attributed to diet/food intolerance/periods etc. Not the Christmas we had planned and life can certainly turn a bit topsy turvy but with the fantastic support of family, friends, colleagues, medical staff and complete strangers our journey has been eased so much. Not everyone is so lucky and whilst trying to find ways of helping Loraine I was amazed at how little awareness there seems to be of this disease. So many people I have spoken to don't know what to look for or what to do or believe that a smear test (Loraine's came back 'clear' just days after her Ovarian diagnosis!) and/or one visit to their GP will locate/resolve the problem. This is not the case. Several simple blood tests (INCLUDING CA125) and an Ultrasound scan may be required.
There are currently no routine screenings for Ovarian Cancer and several visits to a GP are sometimes required before the problem is identified as the symptoms can often resemble more common ailments eg IBS so it is not always straightforward to detect and once it is it is often at an advanced stage. If by fundraising this way it prompts women to go to their GP and insist on a check-up/referral for an Ultrasound scan if they have any concerns and lives are saved then it will be worthwhile.
The BEAT ovarian cancer campaign is the first to engage GPs, women and ovarian cancer charities around the world. It has as its centre piece an easy to remember acronym:
·B for bloating that is persistent and doesn't come and go
·E for eating less and feeling fuller
·A for abdominal pain
·T for telling your GP
Other symptoms can include changes in bowel and urine habits over recent weeks
I have found Ovacome of great help and I want to help others so hope that by raising funds over years if necessary (OK I know I'm probably a bit mad with my target but I just want to do some good on this planet and maybe by asking a 'Pound a Poster' we can together help save lives.
Whatever you can afford to give whether it's instead of a pint of beer or can of drink or you can get your friends and colleagues to organise an event to spread the word every penny and pound raised will be appreciated. £1 prints BEAT awareness posters to put up in Doctors Surgeries etc, £10000 would go a long way in supporting their nurse led support service and assisting valuable research and education in Ovarian Cancer. The cost to the Health Service, let alone the benefit to the patient of early diagnosis through awareness is surely much better sooner than later.
Teal Blueis the colour of Ovarian Cancer Awareness so if you can paint your nails (Teal Tips!) and wear Teal Blueto spread the word and increase awareness that would be great!
So please tell and give this link to your family,friends, neighbours, colleagues,workplaces,businesses,Corporations etc.The more that hear the better the chances of raising funds and helping people.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. You can either show your name on the Donations Page or if you prefer you can remain completely Anonymous. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
PLEASE IF YOU DON'T MIND CUT & PASTE & EMAIL THIS NOTE/ LINK TO YOUR CONTACTS/ADDRESS BOOK IF POSSIBLE AND IT WILL HOPEFULLY ACT AS A CATALYST TO PROMOTE AWARENESS
Ovarian Cancer Awareness-Loraine's Campaign
Hello I’m trying to raise awareness most importantly and if possible funds (£100000!)for Ovacome UK Ovarian Cancer Support and Awareness using JustGiving and I'd really appreciate your support. Ovarian Cancer is an often ignored disease which can affect women of all ages and smear tests do not detect it. Over 6000 UK women are diagnosed with it every year, the number is growing and sadly over 4000 die. Please help reverse this trend. I very much appreciate there are many deserving causes out there which is why I am asking primarily you just to read my page as it may help save a woman’s life. Making a donation is completely optional and I will be more than pleased if by passing the message on it helps someone. If you would like to help by making a donation of course it will be very welcome and wisely used. Just a £1 would put an awareness poster up in a Doctor’s surgery. You can read about my campaign to raise awareness and make a donation if you would like to via my page:
http://www.justgiving.com/LORAINE-STEPHENS.
It's easy, fast and totally secure(Credit/Debit/Paypal) and you can either show your support in name or if you prefer you can make a completely anonymous donation. Either way you will really be helping this great cause and making a difference. To spread awareness, please read my page and if you can please donate now and let your families, friends,neighbours,workplaces and colleagues know. Maybe have fun and arrange a Teaparty or do a Run? It really will make a difference and your time and kindness is very much appreciated
Thank you so much
Kevin
