Aimed at raising funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Australia, the Round 12 clash will be awash with teal, the international colour of ovarian cancer and of course, the identifiable club colour of Port Adelaide.
Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Keith Thomas said the club was proud to team up with Ovarian Cancer Australia and feels a sense of connection with the cause beyond the obvious colour link.
“We feel it is extremely important to raise the profile of this devastating disease which has the lowest survival rate of any women’s cancer,” Thomas said. “We hope that our fans will come out in force and support the cause as well as learn more about the signs and symptoms of the disease.”
Ovarian Cancer Australia, South Australian Ambassador, Natasha Stott-Despoja and Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO, Alison Amos, will be at the match along with volunteers (many of whom are women affected by the disease) selling teal ribbons and encouraging spectators to dig deep and donate.
Supporters can also show their ‘teal colours’ by having their nails painted teal in the Manicure Marquee by Chemmart® Pharmacy for just a gold coin donation. Chemmart’s ‘Colour for a Cause’ teal nail polish packs will also be available to purchase, with proceeds donated to Ovarian Cancer Australia’s advocacy and support programs.
Ovarian Cancer Australia’s CEO, Alison Amos, who will speak during the half-time break, said that the funds raised are vital to the development and implementation of support programs for women with ovarian cancer and to enable further research into its diagnosis and treatment.
“Four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day and three die. The five year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is less than 43% compared with 89% for breast cancer, so we have a lot of work to do.
"There is no early detection test and treatment methods have progressed very little since the 1970s. All money raised through being Port’s charity partner for this match will enable us to continue our work providing support, raising awareness, advocating about the issues and funding research.
"We want to reach out to Port’s amazing community to raise awareness and ensure increased understanding of the signs and symptoms of the disease,” she said.
Ovarian cancer symptoms most commonly include: abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently, or feeling full after eating a small amount.
Members of the public will also have the opportunity to donate to Ovarian Cancer Australia by texting a donation to 0409 732 152 via the Give Easy donation platform or by visiting www.ovariancancer.net.au
