On September 26 in what is supposed to be beautiful late summer weather, 120 like-minded people will gather to raise funds at a gala luncheon on the terrace and private dining room of “The Cuckoo Trattoria” at Coombs to raise funds and awareness of ovarian cancer.
Early detection is essential, points out society volunteer Sharon Wood who’s mother died from it. While things are getting better there is still a lack of awareness of the form of cancer that gets less attention than some, she said.
While the disease kills over 1,700 Canadian women a year, the good news is that when diagnosed in the earliest stages the long term survival rate is 90 percent. Education and awareness are the best tools for improving diagnosis and survival.
The biggest problem is that the symptoms are so varied, vague and easily missed that even many doctors are unfamiliar with them.
Organized by Ovarian Cancer Canada, the “afternoon in Tuscany” lunch event later this month aims to increase awareness and raise money for the society to go to help support survivors of the disease and their families, explained society board member Eileen Beadle.
Local actor and director, Nicola Cavendish, known far and wide for her version of Shirley Valentine will bring some of that humour to MC the lunch which will include great Italian food, inspiring dialogue, a silent auction and great prizes.
Ovarian Cancer Canada provides leadership by supporting women and their families living with the disease, by raising awareness in the public and with health care professionals and by funding research towards early detection and ultimately a cure.
Tickets for this fundraising gala are $100 per person with deals for groups. For tickets e-mail helen@thelunch.ca call 250-757-9549 or check www.thelunch.ca for more.
The event runs 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new Cuckoo Trattoria restaurant, behind the Coombs Market (Goats on the Roof).