Ovarian Cancer South Australia

Help us continue to fund South Australia’s first Ovarian Cancer Care Nurse to support South Australian women with this disease and their families. Every year approximately 1,600 Australian women and 120 South Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, most of them at advanced stage.


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claims the life of one Australian woman every ten hours

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There is no specific conclusive test


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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,  licenced & registered South Australian charity, which aims to educate, increase the awareness and act with urgency on the symptoms of women with Ovarian Cancer in South Australia. All monies stay in South Australia to support all projects.
Our aim is to continue to grow, assist and support South Australian women diagnosed with this insidious disease. This will include funding to increase community awareness from every avenue possible.
The OC Challenge committee are all volunteers. There are no wages paid from fundraising. 100% of funds raised will support women and their families.
Accounts are audited on an annual basis by William Buck

www.williambuck.com

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Debbie Gracie was moved by an article on ovarian cancer in a woman’s magazine in 2007.  She spoke with some of her friends, who thought they were covered by regular pap smears.  She decided that ovarian cancer was underrepresented in the focus of both women and funding, so decided to promote awareness of the disease with a fundraiser.  She looked for a promoter and spoke with Carol Martin OAM, Port Adelaide/Enfield Councillor, who was instantly enthusiastic.  She then looked for a speaker, so spoke with her GP who had studied with Dr. Margaret Davy AM, Director of Gynaecological Oncology in Adelaide.  Our awareness and fundraising continued from May 2007 and since our incorporation end of 2014,  our challenge is to support women with Ovarian Cancer and their families in various ways.
One of our charters is to run regional roadshows in all those destinations in South Australia where health resources are finite including areas where women are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
We intend to reach out and spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.  Plus we’ve achieved our goal of  funding South Australia’s first ovarian cancer personal care nurse!  This is support that women with this disease desperately need.  We understand the impact this type of care and support can have on patients.


View one of our Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walkathons produced by
Hairy Fish Film Productions
www.hairyfishfilmproductions.com

Our Volunteer Committee

  • Dr. Martin Oehler
    Prof Martin K. Oehler President, Gynaecological Oncologist, Director of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Clinical Professor, University of Adelaide
  • Carol Martin OAM
    Patron Port Adelaide Enfield Councillor
  • 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
  • Debbie Gracie
    Founder Mobile 0439 416 113
  • 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 two dogs, Cooper and Ginger.  An avid part time crafter. Listen to Celia's story with Ali on ABC Radio Adelaide Interview World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8th 2018
  • Associate Professor Dr. Margaret Davy AM
    Clinical Spokesperson Gynaecological Oncologist Member of the Medical and Research Advisory Group with Ovarian Cancer Australia
  • Lori Schinkel
    Ambassador/Survivor Guest speaker and passionate contributor to OC Challenge.
  • Jo White
    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
  • Registered Charity
  • Keryn Bache
    Ambassador Keryn is a passionate long term member of OC Challenge. Memories of a head shave in our events section!

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 if you 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 Every Day Hero website (see our donate now button above). If you wish to avoid fees for yourself and our charity and prefer using Pay Pal, please use this link https://www.paypal.com/au/fundraiser/charity/3505261 to make a one off or regular giving donation.