Thank you
A message from Lyn O'Reilly
Marathons 4 Ovarian Cancer 2024 is a wrap.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and generosity.
With your help 42 days of physical activity with each one being Lyn’s version of a mini-triathlon were completed.
After a one week break the 21km row attempt was undertaken, and subsequently completed in a time of 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The combination of these activities enabled me to tick off 3 goals that I thought I would never make;
Completing a triathlon, a marathon and a 21km row
Through the course of the challenge there were numerous conversations some of which involved the recounting of loss of friends and family members to ovarian cancer, some were informative and others inspirational. There were local news articles, social media articles and much sharing of articles all helping to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to raise funds for research.
$12,499.55 was raised in total for research in to personalised treatments for women with ovarian cancer.
This achievement was a team achievement. Thank you;
To the team at Westmead Hospital Foundation who backed me in and backed me up for the months that it took to get from start to finish.
To Blacktown City Council; the Mayor Brad Bunting and the team at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope who were not only present each and every day of the event but who also worked behind the scenes to promote the event across Blacktown.
To my husband, my own marathon man whose support was both unquestioning and complete.
And to my family, friends and local community – thankyou - you helped me get up each day.
To find out more about ovarian cancer, please visit the following sites:
Australian Government site
Cancer Council
Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
ANZGOG
The Westmead Institute for Medical Research;
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE STORY
Lyn's Story
"I didn’t know about ovarian cancer. Having since spoken with oncologists I had the classic signs and classic journey to the late stage Ovarian Cancer diagnosis that 70% of women have.
Some symptoms - bloating, fatigue and loss of appetite were evident in 2020 - I was so bloated a colleague asked if I was pregnant! As flattering as that was at 58 it was concerning.
The April 2021 pelvic ultrasound was normal. I don’t recall my GP raising Ovarian Cancer. Putting symptoms down to diverticular disease, shift work, ageing and slowing metabolism, I got on with life.
In November 2021, I saw my GP about a lump in my groin. It was deemed too small to be of concern. In June 2022, the lump had grown. A scan, biopsy and other tests followed – I had stage 4 Ovarian Cancer."
- 5 women are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer each day in Australia
- 3 women die from Ovarian Cancer each day in Australia
- Less than 50% of women, some still in their teens are alive 5 years after diagnosis
- Symptoms are vague and often attributed to something else
- There are no screening tests – internal examinations, pelvic ultrasounds and a blood test; CA125 marker might show cancer. They don’t rule cancer out.
- If symptoms persist record them in a diary. Tell your GP. Further tests may be needed.
- Know The Signs
- Tell Your GP
- Get Tested
TOGETHER WE CAN
CHANGE
THE OVARIAN CANCER STORY
Marathons 4 Ovarian Cancer
Before cancer I was fit and active. Working as an orderly at Westmead, I was part of the muscle and transport system of the hospital. I coached hockey, took our dog for long walks and gardened.
Treatment challenged me. After 18 months of chemicals, I wondered what the point of life was if I no longer had the fitness to do the things that I enjoyed. The answer – 42 of course – the meaning of life and a marathon to boot!
Commencing Wednesday May 8th – World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day I intend to tackle a daily circuit of cycling, rowing and swimming at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope to regain some of the strength and fitness that I had prior to treatment.
The challenge will be the equivalent of completing 5 and ½ marathons over 42 consecutive days.
I am not sure how I will go. Your support for Marathons 4 Cancer will provide enormous encouragement to tackle this challenge head-on.
Andrew Alexander just donated $50- Sue Reynolds just donated $211
- Anonymous just donated $5
- Leanne McFarlane just donated $25
- Anonymous just donated $52.75
- Suryansh Sharma just donated $26.38
- Nitika Bhatia just donated $52.75
- Sittampalam Ragavan just donated $140.32
- Natasha just donated $52.75
- Deanna Norwood just donated $52
- Evangeline Woodford just donated $52.75
- Lyn and Pete just donated $200
- Anonymous just donated $105.50
- Anonymous just donated $10.55
- Cynthia ha just donated $105.50
- HVS just donated $52.75
- Aamien Cheema just donated $25.50
- Steve, Ida and Sue just donated $50
- Adam Pezzano just donated $105.50
- Roberta Sky just donated $10.55
Ovarian Cancer - Changing the Story
Research over the last 10 years has shown that there are many different types of Ovarian Cancer. Understandably the “one treatment fits all’ approach hasn’t worked for everyone.
Funds raised from Marathons 4 Cancer will be directed to The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre to support the research they are doing in to the delivery of personalised medicine.
Known as targeted therapies the research seeks to determine ahead of time which therapies will work and which won’t based on the molecular make-up of a patient’s specific Ovarian Cancer type bringing hope to the 1800 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year of a new story, a brighter story.
