By Katie Lovett
Features Editor
—
Some of them know a woman who has fought the disease.
Others may have been afflicted themselves. Or they just believe in raising awareness in the fight against cancer.
Whatever the reason may be, the Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group is committed to shining a spotlight on the cancer and its symptoms — often so vague and subtle they go undetected until the cancer reaches end stages.
As part of that mission, the group has organized a series of programs throughout this month. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women, and approximately 80 percent experience a recurrence after initial treatment, said member Lyn LeGendre of West Newbury.
"Early detection truly saves lives," LeGendre said. "Our goal is to promote awareness of this silent enemy."
Each year, 21,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and early detection greatly affects the prognosis, often spelling the difference between life and death, she added.
Part of their campaign is also to raise funds for Ovations for the Cure, a Natick-based organization that raises money for ovarian cancer research and education programs.
The monthlong program kicks off Sunday with a Lantern Festival at The Bartlet Mall from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Organizers planned the festival following the Japanese, Chinese and Thai traditions of remembering deceased loved ones and making wishes and dreams for the future.
Festival-goers will be given a lantern to decorate — calligraphers and materials will be available, group member Elaine Carroll said. They will be floated at dusk on Frog Pond. The First National Bank of Ipswich is sponsoring the Lantern Festival.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or chairs, Carroll said. While the event is free, donations are welcomed for the lantern.
"They're really quite sweet little lanterns," she said.
Musicians will perform during the festival and Newburyport author Aine Greaney will address the audience.
"There's been really great support from people," Carroll added. "It's really been wonderful how the community has come out for this."
Additionally, the group will host a guest bartending night at 10 Center Street restaurant on Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and a community night at Michael's Harborside on Sept. 12 from 4 to 9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each event will go to the group's fundraising efforts.
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the movie "Wit" starring Emma Thompson will be shown at the Firehouse at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow. Cancer survivor Rose Russo will give a presentation at the Newburyport library on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. about using yoga during cancer treatment and recovery.
A 2- to 3-mile walk on Sept. 25 will conclude the program. The walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. from Michael's Harborside. The Jackie Poor Memorial Walk is named in honor of Carroll's sister, who died of the disease in 2009 after a three-year battle.
"She really loved Newburyport," Carroll said of her sister, who lived in Norwood. "She spent a lot of time here."
During the month, various businesses and shops will hang large teal bows — created by the group and its many volunteers — to show support for the cause. Among the businesses joining in, The Chococoa Cafe and The Nutcracker Bakery in Newburyport will be selling special pastries over the next few weeks.
Pralines Bakery is donating pastries to one of the events, owner Lee Coughlin said.
"It's a great cause; we're happy to take part," she said.
For LeGendre, the drive to get involved stems from personal experience. Her mother died of ovarian cancer in 1976, after struggling to get accurately diagnosed.
Awareness wasn't as strong then, LeGendre said, and the vague symptoms add to the struggle. By the time her mother was diagnosed, she was at stage 4 cancer.
"It was a total shock," she said. "She had never really been sick at all."
Her sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer several years ago, and continues to do well. Prompted to undergo a physical because of the family's history of the disease, LeGendre was diagnosed with lung cancer, after briefly mentioning a cough to the nurse practitioner.
She credits that person with helping to save her life.
"I'm all about awareness," LeGendre said. "I felt in my own case, awareness was everything. The main thing is if you notice a change or something is persistent, you need to check on it.
"There's a lot of hope about cancer now," she added. "I think it's exciting that there is more awareness."
IF YOU GO
What: Lantern Festival
When: Sunday, 6 to 8:30 p.m., rain or shine
Where: Bartlet Mall
Why: The event kicks off Ovarian Cancer Awareness month in Newburyport.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Fatigue and or fever
Source: American Cancer Society/Ovations for the Cure
