Step Up for Ovarian Cancer this September
September is New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month
It's when we tie up our laces and get active to support women with ovarian cancer.
Anyone can participate. All you need to do is be active, fundraise and raise awareness!
Why Ovarian Cancer Needs Your Support
For a long time ovaries weren't something many people felt comfortable talking about. Which meant ovarian cancer wasn't either. And because it wasn't talked about, people assumed it didn't matter.
But it matters a lot.
One woman dies of it every 48 hours in New Zealand. That's more than from the road toll, or melanoma, and as much as the other gynaecological cancers combined.
Almost no one in New Zealand knows the symptoms. Which means it can take a lot longer than other cancers to get diagnosed (a cervical smear doesn't check for ovarian cancer).
And once diagnosed, well... because there hasn't been as much research, the five year survival rate is just 37% compared to 90% for prostate cancer.
Which is why we Step Up in September to show women they're not alone and raise crucial funds for awareness, advocacy and research.
What's Involved?
Simply choose your challenge, create a fundraiser on our Give A Little page and let people know what you are up to. It's that easy.
It's a great excuse to get out of the house and explore the neighbourhood during Level 4. And the perfect opportunity to visit favourite local outdoor spots during Level 3.
Whether it's a 5km run, 10,000 steps, an epic bike ride or a leisurely stroller push - it all counts.
Kelly's Story
"Ovarian cancer feels like you are running a marathon through quicksand. It's by far the hardest physical and mental challenge I've ever faced.
But to know that people care and are fighting in my corner - that gives me hope. Hope for me and hope it will be easier for women in the future."
Kelly Hutton, former semi-professional netballer
The Goal:
We have the ambitious goal of trying to raise $87,500 in total, which equates to $300 for each wahine diagnosed with Ovarian cancer.
That would be enough to send symptoms posters and medical education to every GP practice in the country, support our advocacy efforts and fund a small research grant.
We know that this is a big target, but every bit counts.
Get Involved
1. Choose Your Challenge
- Pick an activity - walk, run, cycle (or something else!)
- Measure your activity - in time, or steps or distance or destination
- Decide if you're going to do it one day, some days or every day in September
- And remember - it's not what you do, but why that matters most. You're stepping up to support people with ovarian cancer.
For example you could walk 10km once. Or 5000 steps every day. Run for an hour. Or cycle 300km over the month. You could do yoga three days a week or meditate every evening. It's really up to you!
All you need to do is get active, fundraise and raise awareness!
2. Create Your Fundraising Page
Where your funds go:
Cure Our Ovarian Cancer is the New Zealand ovarian cancer charity. We fight beside women, for earlier diagnosis and better survival.
As a volunteer organisation, we are able to keep our costs low. Last year, less than 10% of the public funds raised were used for administration and fundraising. Almost all of the donations we receive are used to deliver services to improve women's survival - through education, adovocacy and research.
Get the T-Shirt
We have a limited supply of t-shirts (male and female) available for $30 plus postage.
Organised Sporting Events
Unfortunately it is looking like most organised sporting events scheduled for September will be postponed of cancelled due to Covid restrictions. If you have your heart set on a marathon and are feeling optimistic, you are welcome to take a look below.