World Ovarian Cancer Day 2020

The purpose of the Light Up for Cancer – World Ovarian Cancer Day Project on May 8th  was to create awareness for Ovarian Cancer and the women dealing with this disease. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynaecological cancers with a 5 year survival rate of only 45%.

With your support, Cancer Warrior Australia was able to light up a total of 156 buildings, bridges, monuments and more, across Australia and New Zealand.  This certainly made for what we have called a ‘beauTEALful’ night.  Media coverage was given to the project in Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America through our partnerships with Ovarian Cancer Australia, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the World Ovarian Cancer Day global campaign.

I would like to thank all venues for supporting our project.  As a Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer Survivor myself, and after speaking with many Ovarian Cancer patients since Friday’s event, we are humbled to be honoured by so many venues on the night.  Ovarian Cancer has long been a cancer with little recognition, funding and advancements in treatment.  Many women have felt frustrated at the lack of treatment options and research programs.  Creating awareness can, and does, impact all of these areas for this disease.  

The collective efforts of your organisation and the numerous Ovarian Cancer advocacy groups across the world, was heard by the Australian Government.  Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, announced on World Ovarian Cancer Day, funding of $16.2 million as part of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative for Ovarian Cancer, to fast track eight ovarian cancer research projects.

On a personal note, I cannot thank you enough for your support.  I face a 90-95% risk of recurrence of Ovarian Cancer.  If Ovarian Cancer returns to my life I will be classed as terminal.  The additional funding announced on the night could quite possibly lead to research that will save my life should a recurrence happen. 

Thank you for a ‘BeauTEALful’ night.

Julie, Creator of Cancer Warrior Australia