Noel Jones is a major sponsor of Ovarian Cancer Australia raising money and awareness year round. We were recently approached by Sandi who asked us to share her story and build awareness of her OCA Teal Sisters Walk which will be taking place on 21st October 2018 in Lilydale, Melbourne.
How you can help
Sign up to walk in the Teal Sisters Walk or Donate to support Sandi Kraft as she walks
Sandi’s story
My name is Sandi Kraft and I am an enthusiastic member of Jetts Lilydale. I would like to tell you about Ovarian Cancer, also known as the “Silent Killer” of women throughout the World.
It is called the silent killer, because there is currently no definitive test for early onset of Ovarian Cancer and treatments haven’t changed much over the past 10 years. It has no definable symptoms, as women can have all, or none, of the following e.g. Fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, bloating, pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhoea/constipation, nausea etc. Because the symptoms are vague and generalised, most women are treated for menopause, IBS, dietary allergies etc and usually the cancer has spread to various parts of the abdomen before the diagnosis is made, making it much harder to contain. The statistics are frightening – there are 5 women diagnosed and 3 women die every day in Australia. All women diagnosed will have a 40% chance of living longer than 5 years!
Personally, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C cancer after 2 years of feeling “not quite well”, but not being ill. It had spread throughout my abdomen and affected several areas. My treatment has consisted of 3 months of chemo, followed by massive abdominal surgery, then another 3 months of chemo.
The good news is that Ovarian Cancer Australia (as well as other research facilities around the World) are working on several very promising projects at the moment aimed at improved diagnostic techniques and ground-breaking treatments. This research cannot be carried out without funds and that is where you come in! I am coordinating a Walk to be held at Lilydale Lake on 21st October and I urge you all to come and support this worthy cause or to make a donation.
DO IT FOR YOURSELF, YOUR WIFE, SISTER, MOTHER, DAUGHTER
Any one of them could be diagnosed with this insidious disease.
