Help us continue to fund South Australia's first Ovarian Cancer Care Nurses to support South Australian women with this disease and their families. Every year approximately 1,600 Australian women and 130 South Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, most of them at advanced stage.
Claims the life of one Australian woman every ten hours
There is no specific conclusive test
The smear test DOES NOT detect this disease
This disease is symptomatic. The four most common symptoms include:
Abdominal or
pelvic pain
Increased
abdominal
size or persistent
abdominal
bloating
Needing to
urinate often
or urgently
Feeling full
quickly
OC Challenge Incorporated is a not for profit, registered charity, with the aim to educate, increase awareness and support women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in South Australia. From May 2007 and since our incorporation end of 2014, our vision and challenge was to continue supporting women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and their families in various ways. Our committee are all volunteers with no wages paid.
We report annually to the Australian charities commission, provide tax deductible receipts for donations, with our accounts audited on an annual basis pro bono by William Buck
After numerous regional roadshows around South Australia where health resources are finite including areas where women are socioeconomically disadvantaged and speaking to hundreds of people at each event, we have achieved our goal of funding South Australia's first ovarian cancer care nurse early 2022 and our second began July 2023 supported by gynaecological oncologists.
130 women are diagnosed in South Australia each year. This is a tough disease with many women requiring lots of treatment over a long period of time. For many, this means the whole family is affected. Our nurses have extensive knowledge of this condition, the treatments involved and of the local health system. They can provide personal support during and after treatment and being local, they are able to engage with women face to face, by phone or skype. The support nurses work alongside treatment teams: answering questions, giving information, providing support and they can refer to other local services, supporting women and her whole family.
This is support that women with this disease desperately need. We understand the impact this type of care and support can have on patients and those closest to them.
View one of our Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walkathons produced by
Hairy Fish Film Productions
Our Volunteer Community
PROF. MARTIN K. OEHLER
President – Prof Martin K. Oehler Gynaecological Oncologist, Director of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Clinical Professor, University Of Adelaide
CAROL MARTIN OAM
Patron – A passionate patron for OC Challenge and many other charities, Port Adelaide/Enfield Councillor and Order Of Australia recipient 2018
DEBBIE GRACIE
Founder – Debbie founded OC Challenge in 2007 along with Dr. Margaret Davy and Carol Martin. Running all things admin and passionate about the continuation of sponsoring ovarian cancer nurses. Mobile: 0439 416 113
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. MARGARET DAVY OAM
Clinical spokesperson – a passionate member of the team. Retired Gynaecological Oncologist – member of the Medical and Research Advisory Group with Ovarian Cancer Australia and Member of the Order of Australia
CHERYLEE CRABTREE
Ambassador – an enthusiastic ambassador of OC Challenge, the media savvy Radio Chick is a host presenter on Radio 101.5, Radio KSA and Coast FM, Google Podcasts
CELIA LATTY-STEELE
Ambassador/survivor – a passionate and enthusiastic contributor to our charity whilst also supporting a number of other charities in South Australia. Celia is married to Daniel and mum to gorgeous daughter Hope.
LORI SCHINKEL
Ambassador/survivor – Guest Speaker and passionate contributor to OC Challenge.
KERYN BACHE
Ambassador – Keryn is a passionate long-term member of OC Challenge. Memories of a head shave in our events section!
Our Nurses
JO WHITE - REGISTERED NURSE
Jo is a Clinical Spokesperson who has a background in Ovarian Cancer Research. She also works as a Nurse Counsellor for people affected by cancer.
Contact Jo: nurse@occhallenge.org
DEB ROFFE - REGISTERED NURSE
Deb is a Clinical Spokesperson who has a background in Ovarian Cancer Research. She also works as a Nurse Counsellor for people affected by cancer.
Contact Deb: reception@genesiscare.com
Please help to continue the funding of our nurses.
Many clubs and organisations across South Australia help us raise awareness and funds for our Ovarian Cancer Charity by allowing OC Challenge to be their charity recipient. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is February - You could run a girls 'Teal' night in, dinner party or corporate casual clothes day at work to help us raise awareness and funds? Or you may participate in the City-Bay Fun Run in September, see our events page for details.
Or simply start fundraising now, setting up your own page in honour of a special friend or family member via the Just Giving website by choosing the Start Fundraising button below.
Or choose to make a 'one off' donation by clicking the make a donation button below via PayPal.