There is a bit of a story about how my interest in this role came about. Rachel & Jackie who are the Founders of the Silver Ribbon Foundation have a very similar background to myself having lost their mother to ovarian cancer, I also lost my mother Bev to a very aggressive form of Uterine Cancer. We had a lot in common and certainly appreciated one another’s heart aches. My sister in law had a total hysterectomy for cervical cancer and knows firsthand the fear of going through the follow up tests every year. I had recently opened my retail jewellery store in Parnell and was delighted to be able to support Rachel & the Foundation by designing a Silver Ribbon 100% sterling silver brooch & pendant (with the help of a well known jeweler Peter Minturn) which women can wear in support of the foundation and in memory of a loved one. Rachel then realized that my background and knowledge of gynaecological cancers is quite significant in all aspects of my life.
I have a strong health background having practiced as a Nurse & Midwife for many years, I worked for the University of Auckland doing women’s health research. I also have a background in pharmaceutical industry (women’s health products- contraceptives, fertility products, cervical cancer vaccine) and the medical devices industry. I worked in London assisting surgeons with gynaecological operative procedures. My journey to date has certainly covered many aspects of women health, both professionally and personally and I am delighted to be able to utilize this background for this wonderful not for profit organization. I have actually been quite amazed at what Rachel, Jackie(co-founders), Giselle (chairperson), Dr Ai Ling Tan and all the team have achieved with so little funding. Compared with other not for profit organisations we are in our infancy and have a huge amount to achieve over the next several years. The big task I have ahead is to ensure that we ‘walk before we run’. We are desperately short of funds so if anyone would like to make a bequest in their will to support the organization, please do so! I have decided that I also need to ‘walk the talk’ so I am going to make a bequest with my lawyer! Even a small bequest (unfortunately I do not have millions!) can make a huge difference. We have some BHAG’s ahead, the one I am particularly passionate about is education. Ensuring women in New Zealand, particularly post menopausal women know that if they start bleeding that it is not okay, ensuring women are aware that if they have abdominal pain, persistent bloating in their abdomens (or other symptoms of ovarian cancer) that they check this with their GP’s. Any abnormal symptoms or changes particularly abnormal vaginal bleeding should be investigated. Sorry to harp on…but as you can see this is my passion.
I am looking forward to the coming months. My first number one priority will be raising funds so that we can exist in the future and more importantly achieve our objectives. If you need to contact anyone at the Silver Ribbon Foundation in the future, please contact Helen at info@silverribbon.co.nz . Helen is our administrative person on a part time basis. As I mention above I will be focusing on fundraising, strategy and planning in the months ahead. Helen can certainly forward on to me any important queries.
And finally, if you would like to show your support of the foundation please purchase a silver ribbon pendant or brooch. I wear mine and it is amazing how many people comment ’is that the pink ribbon foundation?’ (unfortunately we are not quite as well known yet!) it is an opportunity to say who we are and what we support, and please, please pass onto your girlfriends, aunts, mothers, grandmothers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer, spread the word- we aim to do this in September which is our ‘Share and Care’ awareness month. We hope that you will all be hosting an event and well keep you posted nearer the time.
I would also like to say that to all those effected by gynaecological cancer, my heart goes out to you ‘be strong, be brave and know that you are not alone’.
Warmest wishes
Sarah
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