5th Annual OROC 5K Walk/Run

It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, there was a wonderful cool breeze coming off the lake and everyone was ready to go! There were over 2,400 participants and over 80 survivors along with their families, friends and caregivers. There was an 81-year-old survivor and a 13-year-old survivor, showing that ovarian cancer affects all women. There was even a 70-year-old survivor who ran in the 5K!

It wasn't just the walk/run, there was music and face painting, giveaways and raffles, dancing and playing and generally just having a good time. The theme: "OROC celebrates life...a journey of HOPE". You could tell who the survivors were...they were the ones dancing, laughing and enjoying the day even more than anyone else.This is my daughter and her friend who just happens to be Miss Ohio Teen, having fun dancing after the walk/run.

There was a tribute banner that was held at the finish line where those who are survivors and those who have lost mothers, sisters, aunts, friends could leave a message for those they love. I definitely teared up as I wrote a note to my mom and mother-in-law, but I was OK. It was a hopeful day, even when I saw the oncology nurse who had taken care of not only my mom, but my mother-in-law as well. There were definitely tears then.

I can only hope that from events like these, an early detection test and better treatments can be found so that my daughters will have a better chance of avoiding this silent killer.

OROC Fundraiser Bracelets

Well, I finally came up with a design for the OROC (OutRun Ovarian Cancer) bracelets that I will sell at my daughter's cheer competition in January. I tried several different patterns and styles, but my daughter felt they were too fussy or too dressy for the girls who will be competing. So these are what I came up with and not only does my daughter like the simplicity and daintiness, but the coaches do as well and they are all three wearing them now. (Kind of a "pre-advertisement" for the competition.) They have 15 "blue zircon" Swarovski crystals in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm, silver (metal finish) Delica beads, a sterling silver "awareness" ribbon charm and sterling silver findings. $5 from each bracelet sale will go to OROC.

OROC Fundraiser

In January, my daughter's cheerleading squad is having a competition and proceeds will benefit OROC (OutRun Ovarian Cancer). The theme is "We Roc for OROC" and there will be a competition to see which team can raise the most money and we will also be selling bracelets, which I have volunteered to create. I was originally going to make them like this one:But after pricing out what it would cost me up front to make 50 of them, I had to revise my thinking. So, I am going to make them similar to the ones below. I purchased "awareness ribbon" charms to add to them, but the rest will be a combination of these two bracelets:I am really happy that the idea of raising the money for OROC was approved by everyone. It really means a lot to me and my daughters. After losing my mom and mother-in-law to ovarian cancer and finding out one of my daughter's friend has been diagnosed with it, I realized that I can help. I may not be able to find a cure, but at least help by raising money to find a reliable pretest that will allow women a better than 25% survival rate!

O.R.O.C.=OutRun Ovarian Cancer

Many of you know that I have opened an Etsy shop to sell my jewelry, but I wanted to let you know that I am selling very special bracelets to raise money for ovarian cancer research through O.R.O.C. This organization was founded by women in Cleveland who have been touched by this horrendous disease.

What is OROC?
Outrun Ovarian Cancer, or "OROC," is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven, 501 (c)(3) organization.

OROC is dedicated to creating an active community of hope and empowerment for those touched by ovarian cancer through awareness, education and early detection.

Since its inception in October of 2003, OROC has spearheaded numerous ovarian cancer awareness events throughout Greater Cleveland and, in November of 2004, expanded into Chicago. OROC has also garnered the support of physicians and researchers representing major medical institutions in both cities.

Proceeds raised by OROC go toward ovarian cancer awareness programs and research, with a special emphasis on early detection.

OROC's Mission Statement

OROC is dedicated to creating an active community of hope and empowerment for those touched by ovarian cancer through awareness, education and early detection.

Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer learn they have the disease too late and often only have a 25% survival rate. It is called the "silent cancer" because it's symptoms are so vague and a correct diagnosis is often not made until the disease has progressed too far. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer in July of 2003 and my mother-in-law in January this year and I don't want to lose my girls to this disease too, as they are finding that ovarian cancer, like breast cancer, has a high probability of being hereditary. So, I am doing what I can to help in the fight against ovarian cancer by raising money through the sale of these bracelets. Until there is awareness, education and especially an early detection test, this disease will continue to take our mothers, our sisters, our friends...