Teal ribbons and teal and blue t-shirts have adorned Husky Hill during the month of September. Students and staff are raising awareness and showing their support for those fighting ovarian cancer.
Thanks to the generosity of the Smith family and the Laurel Auto Group, all students and staff were provided t-shirts with the message “Teal on the Hill.” Additionally, the boys and girls soccer teams are supporting the cause with teal outs for a few of their games. For years, the school has recognized breast cancer and testicular cancer awareness months in October and November, and will now continue to add ovarian cancer awareness month every September.
Teal ribbons have been placed all around the exterior of the school all month as part of the nationwide Turn the Towns Teal campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Ann Harris Smith Foundation. Individuals are encouraged to become educated to the symptoms for themselves and their loved ones.
Because there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, women are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms. Early detection has shown a more than 90% five-year survival rate. If any of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks, please contact your physician:
- Persistent pelvic and stomach pain
- Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating
- Ongoing unusual fatigue
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently and often.
“I am proud of the staff and the student body for doing their part to raise awareness of this terrible disease,” said Bishop Carroll Head of School Mr. Stephen Cotchen. “We hope that our efforts to raise awareness help save lives.”
For more information about ovarian cancer and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, please visit http://www.ovarian.org, http://www.ovariancancer.org., and http://www.turnthetownsteal.org.