May 2013
Women’s Cancer is our story…
Sadly most women and girls are undereducated when it comes to their reproductive health. The very organs which make us “female” are not the focus of many advertising campaigns or explained in health classes. Knowledge of the diseases which may develop in our reproductive tract is rare among most of us. Less than 18% of the women in the U.S. know the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, which proves to be life threatening, since there is NO TEST TO DIAGNOSE OVARIAN CANCER.
It has become our mission to make sure that Women and Girls of ALL AGES are educated regarding Women’s Cancer symptoms, the importance of annual check-ups and lifestyle choices. The lack of diagnostic tests for most Women’s Cancers makes it a life-saving fact that ALL WOMEN and GIRLS – MUST BE AWARE of WOMEN’S CANCER SYMPTOMS – RECOGNIZE changes in our bodies and TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY.
We must take our gynecologic health as seriously as we do our annual mammogram. We have a lot going on below the waist and the fact that all is hidden and impossible for productive self examination routines- gives us cause for diligent personal monitoring and regular, routine gynecologic examinations during our lifetime. How do we do this? First, we must take a deep breath, become aware of our body rhythms and cycles, and know what is “normal” for us. When there is a change we must take notice. We do not make excuses – we do not imagine away the reasons we, “don’t feel right”. We will have learned to monitor these changes – log them for 2 weeks and see our gynecologist with our data in hand. We are headed in the right direction and we have listened to our body.
Please take some time to look through the pages and see what’s new and what we are all about. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments. We are located in Brevard County Florida and it is our mission to provide education and awareness of Ovarian and other Gynecologic Cancers and to serve as a resource to all gynecologic Cancer Survivors and their families. We are committed to Education, Awareness, Advocacy, Support and Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Research. Please read more about symptoms and Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer on the website.
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News and Upcoming Events
May Lunch Bunch
Saturday May 11, 2013
11:30 AM
Salt and Sweet Restaurant
| 3092 Lake Washington Rd Melbourne, FL 32934 |
The “Lunch Bunch” was formed as a way for Survivors to connect, enjoy the social benefit of sharing food and forming friendships with fellow Survivors.
It’s a “Dutch Treat”, Luncheon, usually held on the second Saturday of the month at different restaurants in the county and provides an opportunity for us get to know each other in a informal, relaxed setting. It is open to family and friends.
R.S.V.P. Please, by phone or email, so we will know how many to plan for. Call if you have any questions.
Connie Van Asdale – 749-5176
Support Groups
Northern Brevard Daytime Support Group
TBA 10:00 AM - Call Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Cocoa Beach – 525 Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach 321-783-0852 A Peer-to-Peer Support Group for people touched by cancer, facilitated by a gynecologic cancer survivor.
Melbourne Support Group
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5 to 7 PM MIMA Cancer Center- 2nd Floor, Hickory Street, Melbourne FL. Program -TBA More Information -contact Darlene Lessard 321-327-2845
“New Women” Support Group
Saturday, May 25 at 11:30 AM 905 Cafe - 905 E New Haven Ave Melbourne - - An informal Peer-to peer” discussion group formed by and for working Survivors coping with changes they have experienced as a result of surgery and chemotherapy. RSVP 321-749-5176 and /or for more information or to be put on the mailing list.
Sister Run 2012 – A great Success as we Celebrated with our Survivor Sisters and folks who care.
We are gratified by the support of participants and members of the Community who supported our Mission to provide Gynecologic Cancer Education/ Awareness to the Women and Girls of Brevard County and raise money for direct support of Research for a CURE.
A big “Thank you!” to the City of Melbourne Beach, for hosting the Sister Run at Ryckman Park. It was a beautiful venue – put smiles on everyone’s faces. A very special thank you to; the Melbourne Beach City Officials, Staff and the Police Department, for their support and helpfulness – making it a very special day for us and our Survivor Sisters.
Click here to view the 2012 Sister Run photo gallery
Brevard Cities Honor us with a Proclamation!
September has been proclaimed by Cities and Towns throughout Brevard County as “Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month”. We have received signed proclamations from the City/Towns of; Melbourne, West Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Rockledge and Grant-Valkaria, Palm Bay
The Mayor and Town Council of Grant-Valkaria present Connie Van Asdale and Robin Brown with a Proclamation naming September 2012 as Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. See link on the Grant – Valkaria website www.grantvalkaria.org
Connie Van Asdale accepts Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council of Palm Bay, naming September as Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
Donate
Click here To Make a Donation
If you wish to contribute to help us save women’s lives through our education and awareness programs, please click on the teal ribbon above. If you prefer to mail a donation, our address is: P.O. Box 501367 Malabar, FL 32950 -1367. Donations may be made; In Honor Of and In Memory Of people who are special in our lives, and will be listed on our Tributes Page. Please fill out the information on the form and include their name.
If you would like to add more information, please email us. connie@tealribboncfl.com
See Teal Photos
Here are our Friends and family in Teal
Click here to view the 2012 Teal Day photo gallery
What is a Survivor?
We often hear the term “Survivor” when it pertains to a serious illness, but we are not sure what that means. We become a Survivor the moment we are diagnosed and remain a Survivor for the rest of our lives. A Survivor is defined as: “Somebody who remains alive despite being exposed to life-threatening danger. Somebody who shows a great will to live or a great determination to overcome difficulties and carry on.” That says it all! Click here to watch a survivor video.
Survivors Who Give Us Hope and Inspiration,
Featuring Barbara DesrosiersBarbara L. Desrosiers, Artist and Ovarian Cancer Survivor
