DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Aug 16, 2013) - The new Colorado Ovarian Cancer Resource Guide is available now -- just in time for the September national observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Published by the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA), the guide provides a wealth of useful information for women recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, for their caregivers and for healthcare professionals. In addition to facts about the disease, which causes approximately 220 deaths in Colorado each year, this first-of-its-kind guide specifically dealing with ovarian cancer includes information on managing surgery and chemotherapy, genetic considerations, finding support, financial assistance, managing costs, insurance and legal issues, complementary therapies, survivorship, Colorado cancer centers and clinics, and national and multi-cultural resources.
Pep Torres, Executive Director of COCA, is thrilled that the Guide has been published. Says Torres, "COCA's vision is for every newly diagnosed woman in Colorado to receive a copy, so that she will have access to critical information for this difficult journey, and to know she is not alone because of COCA's various support programs."
The guide is a key stepping point for ovarian cancer patients and survivors. According to Mary Phillips, a stage IIIC ovarian cancer survivor and president of COCA's board of directors, "I wish this Guide had been available when I was diagnosed eight years ago. The information in the Guide would have been very helpful to me. I'm so very proud that COCA has published this great resource for women with ovarian cancer in Colorado."
Numerous activities and events in Colorado throughout September will "Raise Awareness" about ovarian cancer.
- The lights of Denver's Civic Center bell tower will be TEAL (the color of ovarian cancer awareness)
- "Raise Awareness" signs and teal ribbons will be displayed at businesses and homes
- Symptom cards will be distributed statewide highlighting the four most frequent indicators: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency
- September 4 - COCA volunteers will participate in a Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives® presentation at the University of Colorado Medical Center
- September 6 - Survivors and their family members, friends and co-workers will take part in "Wear Teal Day" to heighten awareness of ovarian cancer
- September 13 - Kathleen Maxian, cofounder and president of the Western New York Ovarian Cancer Project, will be the guest speaker at the COCA Survivors Luncheon
- September 13 - COCA will take part in the Belmar Art Walk
- September 21 - Participants in the "86 Ovarian Cancer" restaurant relay will race through downtown Frisco to raise money for COCA
- September 22 - Sixth Annual Box Social in Denver's Washington Park
- September 22 - "Painting Away Ovarian Cancer" with artist Jean Murr
The Resource Guide can be accessed online at http://colo-ovariancancer.org/resourceguide or a print copy can be requested at http://colo-ovariancancer.org/resourceguide-order or by calling COCA at 303-506-7014.
The mission of the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance is to provide support and to promote awareness and early detection of ovarian cancer through advocacy and education. To learn more about COCA and its programs, visit http://colo-ovariancancer.org/.
