'Wear teal with zeal' during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

NEWS RELEASE
ZONTA CLUB OF SAULT STE. MARIE AREA
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Ovarian cancer is the most fatal women’s cancer, yet it is often overlooked and under-diagnosed. Symptoms are vague, so most women are diagnosed in late stages when 70 per cent will not survive five years. Approximately one in four Canadian women still believe that a Pap test screens for ovarian cancer; it does not. A Pap test screens for cervical cancer.

“The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area has set a goal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in our community. Everyone knows what pink ribbons are for. We want to ensure that people in our community recognize what the teal ribbons represent but also become more aware of possible signs of potential ovarian cancer and advocate for themselves with their family physicians,” states Jane Vienneau, president of the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area.

“We will start off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by posting signs and tying teal ribbons in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Thank you to Mayor Shoemaker and City Council for proclaiming September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Sault Ste. Marie. The Zonta Club was one of the national recipients of the Peggy Truscott Award of Hope from Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2020 for our awareness activities and support of Ovarian Cancer Canada since 2009. We are very proud of this recognition.”

For the last seven years the culmination of September activities has been the Zonta fundraiser, Purses, Pies and Pinot, where proceeds have been divided between Ovarian Cancer Canada and Zonta service projects in our community.

Since 2016, the Zonta Club has raised over $48,000 for Ovarian Cancer Canada, thanks to the support of our community and community businesses.

“We are excited to be presenting this enjoyable event on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at the Water Tower Inn,” says Joanne Atkinson, chair of the fundraiser.

There will be a live auction of designer purses and freshly baked pies with Vernon Bailey, well known local auctioneer, as well as a silent auction.

Tickets are still available at The Shoe Fits! Many thanks to our community donors and our sponsors:  Avery Construction, Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable, Exit Realty True North, Great Lakes Honda, North Channel Heating and Air Conditioning, Onofrios Granite and Stone Décor, Priddle-Luck Professional Corporation and S&T Group.

If community members want more information, they can contact the Zonta email [email protected] or watch for updates on the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area Facebook page.

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