This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, border ovarian cancer advocate Heather Watts urges women to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health.
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Following the loss of her daughter Kelsey to the devastating disease in 2011 at just 33 years old, Ms Watts has been advocating for greater awareness and research.
Kelsey’s battle with ovarian cancer spurred Ms Watts to establish the Border Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group (BOCAG).
This group, under her leadership, launched innovative awareness campaigns, capturing the community’s attention and spreading vital information about the disease.
Significant strides have been made since Kelsey’s passing, with Ms Watts pointing out the improved awareness in the community and the impactful contributions of the Kelsey Watts Trust Fund to trials at the Regional Cancer Centre.
“Some local women had a better quality of life because of the trials we paid for,” Ms Watts shared. Despite these advances, she stressed the ongoing challenges, including insufficient funding and research.
“They are making very small roads, but there’s not enough funding or research. And while Australia is leading the way, the statistics are still the same-about every nine hours, a woman dies of ovarian cancer. The biggest hurdle is that no-one takes notice of symptoms.”
Ms Watts’ critical message to women is to trust their instincts and be persistent with their healthcare providers. “Women know their own bodies better than anyone else,” she said.
“If you’re not satisfied with what a doctor says- get a second, third or fourth opinion.”
BOCAG, under Ms Watts’ leadership, embarked on numerous initiatives to elevate awareness of ovarian cancer, a cause that is critically underrepresented. The group’s innovative awareness campaigns, such as the memorable teal undies on the Lincoln Causeway and the Wodonga Turf Club’s Kelsey Watts Memorial Race featuring blow-up horses, not only captured the community’s imagination but also spotlighted the urgent need for awareness and research into ovarian cancer.
“We have a lot to be proud of, we have made people aware, we were even mentioned in parliament,” Ms Watts said. “People have even emailed us from overseas because of our successful Campaigns,- so we’ve got the message out there.”
Despite BOCAG officially ceasing operations last year, its spirit and mission persist. A testament to the group’s lasting impact is the ongoing fundraiser at the Wodonga Plant Farm. Here, a popular second-hand book stall continues to draw support, with proceeds directed towards the Kelsey Watts Memorial Ovarian Cancer Research Grant at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
This initiative ensures that Kelsey’s memory and the fight against ovarian cancer endure, fostering hope and supporting vital clinical trials in the local community.
The closure of BOCAG’s chapter in 2022 was marked by a significant parting gift - a $14,550 donation to the Kelsey Watts Memorial Grant, elevating the group’s total contribution to almost $170,000 over a decade.
“It’s been a lot of hard work in 10 years, but even if we’ve been able to help just one person, then it’s been worth it,” she said.
Local advocacy group ~ Friends in Common
In Yarrawonga and the district, anyone who has received an Ovarian Cancer diagnosis has access to a group of selfless, wonderful locals who are advocates for care and are a shoulder to lean on and ear to listen in some of the worst moments of your life.
Yarrawonga Friends in Common (YFIC) assist those in the community who are suffering from a cancer diagnosis in varying ways, trying to slightly lighten the burden on the patients and their families who may have to travel for treatment by assisting them with travel costs, accommodation and connection to further services.
These amazing locals also provide friendly and caring support by just listening to your needs or sitting down for a cup of tea and chatting to ease your concerns.
Anybody who is in need of assistance should not be nervous about meeting with YFIC as the dedicated group has cancer’s best interests at heart, and your privacy stays just that, private.
“People’s privacy is of utmost importance to YFIC. Private information is securely kept and collated by the Support Coordinator,” YFIC spokesperson said.
“Yarrawonga Friends in Common is here to support ANYBODY in our community who needs assistance and support whilst going through their treatment. That means EVERYBODY.
“If you would like our assistance or just someone to talk to, please ring me on the Yarrawonga Friends in Common phone on 0497 689 027.”
How to get involved
There are many ways to support ovarian cancer awareness and research. Participating in awareness campaigns, donating to research funds, and volunteering with local support groups can make a significant difference. Sharing information about ovarian cancer on social media can also help spread the word.
Ovarian Cancer Australia, the peak ovarian cancer awareness organisation, has the aim to educate. As this devastating disease suffers from a lack of awareness and progress, Ovarian Cancer Australia continues to spread evidence-based information every Australian should know about this disease.
The group also advocate on behalf of those impacted by ovarian cancer for more research funding, better laws and policies, greater access to affordable treatment options and ultimately better outcomes for all those affected.
It is important to elevate the voices of women impacted by this disease by sharing their stories, their real-life experiences and getting these stories in front of as many eyes and ears as possible.
This also can’t be done without raising funds to ultimately change the future.
To find out more visit: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au.