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It’s called the whispering disease because it’s hard to detect, and difficult to treat. The survival rate for women afflicted with ovarian cancer is less than 50 per cent.
Saanich’s Jennifer Smyth is one of those survivors, and 24 years after her diagnosis it’s her mission to raise awareness, and find a cure, all with a spot of tea.
Smyth has been hosting a tea party fundraiser for ovarian cancer research for the past four years.
Watch the video below:
It includes a beautiful backyard garden, crisp, clean tablecloths, fine china, delectable treats and pots of tea, the perfect environment for an assortment of big-hearted people to raise some money.
“It’s a great way of spreading the word, raising awareness and getting the funds that are so badly needed for research,” says Smyth.
The event started modestly, with just 14 people. Trish Murphy was one of them.
“When Jennifer started these teas and started talking about ovarian cancer, I thought, ‘There’s a charity that I can support,’” says Murphy.
Now, more and more people are finding their way to the fundraiser.
“This year will be our fourth year we’ve had about, I think we’ve served 172 teas over the summer,” she says.
It takes a lot of work – from Smyth, who makes many of the treats – to her team of dedicated and loyal volunteers, including the fitness group, Pole Walkers for a Cure.
“Anything that she does, it’s just so much, her energy is just infectious so when she says ‘can you come?’ You always want to be there because it’s always such a treat,” says Don, a volunteer.
In the last 10 years, the group has raised nearly $160,000 for ovarian cancer research and to support women who have been touched by the disease, like Smyth.
“I had all the symptoms but I knew nothing about ovarian cancer,” she says.
“I was given a 15 per cent chance of survival,” she says. “I’m lucky that I survived.”
Smyth was 53 years old at the time and thought her symptoms were menopause-related. It’s something that doctors can mistake too.
“I’m always telling women you’ve got to be your own advocate, you’ve got to tell the doctor ‘I’m having these problems, I’d like you to eliminate that I have ovarian cancer and these are the three things I want you to do,’” she says.
Those three things are a pelvic exam, a pelvic ultrasound and a CA 125 blood test, which is a marker for tumours. It’s what Smyth’s doctor did and what saved her.
That’s why Smyth works so tirelessly. She wants women to know, especially young women and girls, about the symptoms and the risks.
Pole Walkers for a Cure have already surpassed their fundraising goal of $30,000 for the year, but are still hoping to raise more in time for the annual Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope.
The Walk of Hope takes place at Royal Roads University on Sept. 7.
Read more Inspiring Island Women stories here.
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