Ovarian Cancer Survivors Bring Inspiration to Greenfied Park

The National Cancer Institute reports only 15% of all Ovarian Cancers are found at an early stage because there is no current test for the disease.

West Allis, WI Saturday September 21, 2013--Among the crowd of teal shirts filling Cool Waters Pavilion at Greenfield Park, women of all ages will be joined by family, friends, and their dogs at the 8th annual Nancy's Run, Rock & Stroll. What started as a small community event in memory of Nancy Niese, a local victim of Ovarian Cancer, the gathering has grown each year to educate the public about a disease that's most often detected when it is too late. September is also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

One of the best images of the morning will start at 9:30a.m. as Ovarian Cancer survivors from the area gather together for a group photo with the scenic backdrop of Greenfield Park. Great video and photo opportunities will follow as the run starts at 10a.m. followed shortly by walkers, including a separate stroll by dog owners, known as "Bark in the Park." Not to be left behind, children will also have their chance to shine with their own small running course called the "Rascal Romp." Afterwards, our smallest participants will be awarded their very own medals.

New for this year's race, 800 teal (the awareness color for Ovarian Cancer) biodegradable balloons will be released, representing roughly the 800 women in
Wisconsin living with Ovarian Cancer. Also, anyone who is unable to attend can join the fun virtually by walking the course on YouTube the day of the race.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2013 more than 22,000 new cases of Ovarian Cancer will be diagnosed and more than 14,000 women will die from the disease in the United States. Statistics also show that one in every 71 women will develop cancer of the ovary and one in every 95 women will die from it.

Health experts say survival rates are still low because less than a quarter of all Ovarian Cancer cases are detected at the critical early stages. Doctors encourage women to look for signs of the disease early.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the following symptoms of Ovarian Cancer include:
o Bloating

o Pelvic or abdominal pain

o Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

o Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

The Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance was formed in May, 2000 as a non-profit group designed to provide education, encourage advocacy, and generate support for victims of the disease.

To learn more about the race and for more information on Ovarian Cancer, visit: http://www.wisconsinovariancancer.com.

The Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance is a tax-exempt organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization is a working partner of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.