In the midst of the fun, the fashion and the frivolity, it is often useful to take a little time to remember exactly why we are getting our frocks on. Recently one of our newest team members, Merryn, received an email that we thought summed it up perfectly. The respondent didn't want to be identified but was happy for an anonymised version to be shared.
"Hi Merryn - this is a fabulous idea!!! I couldn't think of anyone who could 'frock-up' with style quite like you can. So happy to sponsor you for this cause - it is close to my heart - after myself and my sister both experienced breast cancer in our 30's, the fact that our grandmother lost her life at age 48yrs from ovarian cancer was the link doctors looked for to prompt our genetic testing for the BRCA2 gene fault (breast cancer is linked to ovarian cancer in women and prostrate cancer in men) which lead to myself and both my sisters removing our ovaries!!!! Love being proactive, and I am very supportive of research into causes and cures for this.
Next year ... I will become involved and 'frock-up'. Until then, have a great month of frocking up and enjoy the dinner celebrations. In the meantime, I look forward to next week (26th) which is the 12th anniversary of my breast surgery....and the start of my 13th year of survival!!! I am indeed a lucky lucky girl to be here. Isn't life FABULOUS?????
My sisters' and my own genetic results subsequently led to all the next generation aged 18-25 being tested for the gene fault, and now we know only two of 7 girls have the fault, and they are under the best of care - PPEI approach. So, information and knowledge leads to informed decisions and actions for the best possible outcomes, and the research at Westmead is incredible."
Here at Frocktober Canberra, we are constantly being astounded by women who will bravely and willingly share their stories regarding the impact ovarian cancer has on their lives. We salute them and their families. It's good to be reminded just why Frocktober is such a Frockin' good cause!
