Doylestown Is Going Teal For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — For the 14th year, Doylestown Borough will be turning teal for September to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.

And the public is invited to help make it happen.

On Saturday, August 27 organizers and volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. in front of the Starbucks at Main and State streets for a brief ceremony before heading out in teams of eight to decorate 400 lampposts in the downtown business district.

"We need as many people as possible," said former Doylestown Borough Councilwoman Joan Doyle who has been organizing the event for the past 14 years with the support of Doylestown Borough, the Doylestown Borough Council and the Doylestown Rotary Club.

During the ceremony, Jane MacNeill, the president of the Turn The Towns Teal campaign, is expected to thank the community for its participation. Her sister-in-law, Gail MacNeill, founded the organization 16 years ago before she passed away from ovarian cancer.

The gathering will also pause to acknowledge the survivors of ovarian cancer and to share their stories. They will also remember those who have died from the disease, including many who have attended the event over the years.

If you are a survivor or have a loved one who died from ovarian cancer and you would like recognized at the event, contact Joan Doyle at joanddoyle@gmail.com and indicate that you will be attending and provide a contact number.

Following the ceremony, volunteers will head out into the business district to adorn every lamppost with a ribbon.

"It makes quite an impact because we go all the way down North Main Street to the Doylestown Shopping Center and we cover the entire downtown commercial streets of Doylestown," said Doyle. "The goal is to make women and men aware of the risk factors and the subtle and silent symptoms that often mimic another illness."

The campaign is especially meaningful for Doyle, whose sister, Anita Stein, passed away from the disease.

Every woman is at risk of developing ovarian cancer, from age 12-80s. Knowing the subtle symptoms and risk factors can literally save a woman's life. If detected in its early stages, the success rate is 90 to 95 percent. As of today, there is no conclusive early detection test.

"This has been called the silent disease and most women and men, who should also know the symptoms, don't know what they are," said Doyle. "And most of the symptoms mimic other illnesses and it is often, unfortunately, women are diagnosed in the late stages of the cancer. The earlier diagnosis the better the prognosis."

The ribbons will be a visible reminder throughout National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month alerting women and men to the disease and its symptoms.