Teal ribbons signify Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
A Personal Mission to Spread Awareness
In Lexington, Kentucky, health experts predict that 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Despite being referred to as a silent killer among women, the free screening program offered by UK HealthCare has been instrumental in saving lives for over three decades. One woman, Keli Fry, has a very personal reason for being an advocate for this cause. The sight of teal ribbons adorning UK's campus every September serves as a reminder of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and holds a special significance for women like Fry.
A Wake-Up Call
For Fry, the loss of her close friends Megan and Paige to ovarian cancer was devastating. Their battles with the disease inspired Fry to take action and raise awareness about this often-overlooked health issue. Determined to make a difference, Fry not only spread the word among her acquaintances but also underwent screening through the Ovarian Cancer Screening Program at the University of Kentucky.
Empowering Women Through Screening
Dr. Chuck Dietrich, the program's director, takes pride in the initiative that has screened over 50,000 women in the past three decades. Open to women over 50 without a family history of ovarian cancer and women over 25 with a history, the program aims to detect the disease early when it is most treatable. Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis, Dr. Dietrich emphasizes the significance of regular screening for women's health.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer, including bloating, changes in urination frequency, feelings of stomach fullness, and abdominal or pelvic pain, can often go unnoticed. This underlines the importance of educating women about the signs to look out for and the benefits of timely screening.
A Beacon of Hope
Keli Fry's dedication to raising awareness about the screening program reflects her commitment to being a link to hope for other women facing this disease. Dr. Dietrich highlights the impact of such advocacy efforts on women's lives and their families, underscoring the program's invaluable contribution to community health.
Supporting Ovarian Cancer Research
In memory of Megan Green, Bluegrass Hospitality Group is running a fundraising campaign this month to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. By participating in the Sip of Hope campaign and Taylor Swift ticket raffle, individuals can contribute to the UK Markey Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Screening Program and help further research in this field.
Raffle for a cause
For a chance to win a Taylor Swift Eras Tour package, including concert tickets, airfare, hotel stay, and a Visa gift card, individuals can purchase raffle tickets throughout September. The winner will be announced on October 2, with proceeds going towards advancing ovarian cancer screening and research efforts.
By prioritizing awareness, screening, and research, initiatives like the Ovarian Cancer Screening Program at UK HealthCare are making significant strides in the fight against this disease, offering hope and support to women and families affected by ovarian cancer.