The City of Newark will receive a touch of teal once again to help raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Judy Yang, student president of Lori's Hands, along with other University of Delaware students will pin teal bows on lamp posts along E. Main Street as part of "Turn The Towns Teal," a national campaign to promote awareness for ovarian cancer and its symptoms.
"There is no test for ovarian cancer, so knowledge is crucial," said Mayor Polly Sierer. "Drawing attention to the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer could help save the life of a friend or neighbor. Sometimes just one small act can make a big difference."
Lori's Hands is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been involved with the Turn The Towns Teal effort for the past three years. The organization transforms UD students' understanding of community health by matching them with Newark residents living with chronic illness in meaningful, helping relationships. Community members receive in-home support and, in turn, educate next-generation health leaders about the experience of living with chronic illness.
"We are honored to be a part of Turn The Towns Teal in Newark again this year," said Lori's Hands, Inc. board president Sarah LaFave. "Over the years, we've worked with several clients and families impacted by ovarian cancer, and we're proud to have this opportunity to give back in their honor."
The Turn The Towns Teal campaign is sponsored by the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to increasing awareness and education, research, and assisting women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The ribbons will remain on the poles through September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
"The teal bows are visual alerts, but the key is knowing the symptoms, which are subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions," explains Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation vice president Sally Oberle, who lost her sister Sidney to ovarian cancer and volunteers in her memory.
According to the CDC, Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Each year, more than 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Outreach and awareness volunteers are always welcome; please contact Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation executive director and survivor Dorianne Short at president@deovariancancer.org or 302-998-6889. For more information about the Turn The Towns Teal campaign, or the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, visit
http://www.turnthetownsteal.org/.