White Shirt Day

Do you have ovaries? Or love someone who does?  Well in that case today you should be supporting White Shirt Day.  White Shirt Day is a fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.  If you are in need of a new white shirt, Witchery has a special range where the profits go to OCRF or you can donate directly here: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/whiteshirtwitchery2012.

Ovarian cancer was something that wasn't on my radar until fairly recently.  Sure I knew it existed, but I had never really heard much or thought much about it.  That all changed in 2010 when in a matter of weeks my Mum's best friend, otherwise known as Aunty Sue, went from feeling unwell to having terminal ovarian cancer.  I don't mean that the cancer grew overnight, it is just that it is such a difficult cancer to detect that by the time most women discover they have it, it is too late to treat and that was exactly what happened in Sue's case.  Symptoms are easy to dismiss, they can include:

• changes in your bowel habits
• unexplained weight gain or loss
• bleeding in-between periods or after menopause
• back pain
• indigestion or nausea
• excessive fatigue

They are such generic symptoms that it is really easy to ignore them or not even notice them.  They key is to be aware of your body and if something is going on that is not normal, get it checked out.  If caught early, ovarian cancer is very treatable and this is why Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is working like crazy to find an early detection test.

Each year I do my best to support the OCRF by participating in Frocktober - a month long festival of dresses.  I'm already planning activities for this year, so you will hear loads more in October but for today, wear a white shirt and consider if there is a way that you can support this amazing foundation.