Ovarian Cancer Connection plans fundraising walk Sept 16 in Northwood

        Ovarian Cancer Connection will present the 19th Annual Ellen Jackson Walk on Saturday, Sept. 16 on the grounds of Buckeye Broadband, 2700 Oregon Rd., Northwood.
        The annual event raises awareness and funds to support the mission of Ovarian Cancer Connection, an organization committed to supporting women with all gynecologic cancers.
        It also commemorates the life of Ellen Jackson, a founding member of the Ovarian  Cancer Connection.    Jackson  fought stage 3 ovarian  cancer  for eight years, passing away in 2010. She worked at Buckeye Broadband for 30 years, serving as the director of marketing and programming for the last 15 years.
        “Ellen was loads of fun to work with and she introduced us to Buckeye Broadband, our title sponsor for the Ellen Jackson Ovarian Cancer Walk,” said Gini Steinke, Ovarian Cancer Connection executive director. “She had a serious side, but when she cut loose, she was a hoot.
        “Ellen was also involved with our local support group, ‘Let's Talk it Ovar,’ which still meets on the fourth Thursday every month at Mercy Health in Perrysburg. We gather at 12:30 p.m. in the Pontus Room on the second floor,” she said.
        The event schedule includes:
        • Registration: The event kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to complete registration. Those who have registered online need to check in before 9 a.m.
        • Survivor pictures: At 9:15 a.m., a moment to honor survivors of gynecologic cancers. This gesture is designed to underscore the strength and resilience of those who have faced this challenging journey.
        • Opening ceremonies: The official opening ceremonies will commence at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will gather to share in a spirit of unity and support, setting the tone for the day ahead.
        • The Walk: The walk will begin at 10 a.m. Participants will embark on a journey together, symbolizing the collective effort to overcome cancer.
        Local TV personality Jerry Anderson will lead the event and will also conduct an auction.
         Register online at ovarianconnection.org. For more information, call or text 419-866-6622.
        In addition, Ovarian Cancer Connection will host its 3rd Annual Candlelight Vigil on Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., either under the gazebo or in the lodge at Strawberry Park in Holland. “We are inviting anyone that has lost someone near and dear to their heart,” Steinke said.
        Turning Towns Teal
        Ovarian Cancer Connection volunteers have been busy Turning the Town Teal – tying teal ribbons at various locations throughout Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to spread awareness about the disease, which is expected to impact nearly 20,000 women this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Turn the Towns Teal is a national campaign represented in all 50 states.
        Look for teal ribbons locally in Promenade Park in downtown Toledo, at Hensville, at Fifth Third Field and in Elmore, Fremont, Genoa, Millbury, Oregon, Walbridge and Woodville.
        Know the symptoms
        Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of the cancer can lead to early detection with a 90-95% success rate. Although the primary mission is to raise awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer, the national campaign also promotes support for survivors.
        Potential symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
        • Bloating
        • Pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort
        • Persistent gastrointestinal upsets
        • Difficulty eating or bloating quickly
        • Urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent)
        • Unexplained changes in bowel habits
        • Unexplained weight gain or loss
        • Ongoing unsual fatigue
        • Back pain
        • Menstrual changes
        • Pain during intimacy
        Women whose symptoms persist for 10 days to two weeks should consult their gynecologist or physician.
        Risk factors to ovarian cancer may include genetic predisposition (BRCA1/BRCA2 gene); family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer; hormone replacement therapy; reproductive history and infertility and increasing age.
        Steinke says, “Do not ignore the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. If something does not feel right, contact your local physician or gynecologist.”
        Learn more at ovariancancerconnection.com.