Jaymi Appleby

On Saturday 23rd May, I'm putting my foot down to save lives.

I am participating in the mothers dsy classic because I have been personally impacted by ovarian cancer and have first hand understanding of how difficult this journey is and the need for more research and improved outcomes for women.

Ovarian cancer is often called silent as it whispers, symptoms often are vague or even non existant, these include things like bloating and cramping, often dismissed as being a woman. This leads to majority of women being diagnosed at a later stage. There is no screening and invasive surgery is the only way to accurately diagnose, usually a radical hysterectomy, during recovery women often begin intense chemotherapy, however targetted treatment is incredibly limited, and all too often the cancer recurs. Unfortunately outcomes haven't changed too much in the past 30 years but this is our chance to change that.

Funds go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Founded to fill a critical gap in funding for ovarian cancer research, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation has spent the past 25 years empowering researchers to pursue vital research that otherwise may not have been possible.

This year there is even a grant that is exploring treatment combinations for low grade serous ovarian cancer. This is my subtype, it is traditionally quite treatment resistant and impacts younger women frequently- often those who are beginning families, starting careers etc. Ovarian cancer is absolutely devastating at any age, those who are of childbearing age also face the additional trauma of losing their fertility. Only 8 years ago it was near impossible to find any research or funding for low grade ovarian cancer. The work of the OCRF means the world to me and so many women like me.

Please consider donating any amount helps. Thank you for your support.