Frocktober 2021, Get Involved!
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH & FROCKTOBER.ORG.AU
IMAGES: FROCKTOBER.ORG.AU
This first week of October marks the beginning begins of the deliciously bright fundraiser called Frocktober!
Channel your creative flair and raise money at the same time by taking part in Frocktober; a fun and inclusive campaign created by The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. This year’s theme is Let’s Get Loud and loud we will get as we take part in this empowering campaign for all with the aim of raising money to continue with their innovative research projects that help shine a light and bring awareness to Ovarian Cancer.
Did you know one woman dies of Ovarian Cancer every 8 hours? Something as simple as the clothes we put on our back has the potential to start important conversations, raising awareness of the lack of early detection methods, of women’s experiences, and of how we as a community can do more to support ovarian cancer research.
In 2007, 10 friends were sitting around a table in a 24-hour diner in Geelong. Their backgrounds spanned business, architecture, health, education and design, but they shared one common concern. They were discussing how they could encourage more women to get involved in a cause that impacts every woman, everywhere—ovarian cancer awareness and research.
Their solution was a quirky fundraiser that would empower women to rethink something they saw every day—their wardrobe—and transform it into something special. That’s how Frocktober was born. The themes these wonderful women imagined shaped the Frocktober movement. Creativity, flexibility and diversity still underpin the campaign to this day. Now in its 13th year, Frocktober continues to build momentum year on year, empowering women around Australia to Frock Up, Raise Funds and Frock Cancer.
OVARIAN CANCER, THE FACTS
One woman dies in Australia every eight hours from ovarian cancer
Over 50% of the community incorrectly believe a pap smear diagnoses ovarian cancer
Survival rates for ovarian cancer have not significantly improved despite huge improvements in other cancers since 1975
The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate in Australia has stagnated at 46% and remains lower than the 5-year survival rates achieved back in 1975 for all cancers
Unlike breast and cervical cancers, there is no early detection test
The early stages of ovarian cancer have no obvious symptoms, resulting in most women being diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease - For these women, there’s a 90% chance of recurrence within 18 months. In most of these cases, remission is NOT possible
Developing an early detection test will allow for early diagnosis, early treatment… and ultimately help save lives
When detected and treated early, 90% of women will survive beyond five years compared with 29%% when diagnosed at a late-stage
Help us make ovarian cancer the research success story for the next generation by funding the development of an early detection test
What I love about this fundraiser is the EVERYONE can get involved! You can choose to dress up for one day or for 30, you can show your support by creating your own fundraiser. Every person is welcome to join Frocktober - your gender and identity shouldn't be a barrier. Frocktober isn’t all about dresses - OCRF is asking everyone to get involved by dressing up loud and raising funds for those with ovarian cancer. Shirts, bowties, blazers, slacks or dresses — make a statement and get involved in a way that feels true to you. Ovarian cancer affects us all - whether it's the risk we face ourselves or the risk that it poses to the ones we love most.
SUPPORT A FROCKER TODAY!
Read the Frocktober BLOG on their website right here.
Follow Frocktober on Instagram here.
Connect with Frocktober on Facebook right here.
