Can you spare some change? Sponsor my Frocktober efforts and donate to the OCRF HERE.
It’s on again! Can you believe October is here? And for me, October means FROCKTOBER! I’ll be wearing a dress a day during October, and hoping to raise at least $500 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
This will be my fifth year in a row and so far I’ve raised just over $3000 in those five years, an awesome result.
Frocktober is not all about pretty dresses (but there will be those, too). There’s a serious side to the fundraising – ovarian cancer is known as the ‘silent killer’ as many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle, and women can experience them without the presence of cancer. A list of the common symptoms are below, and if you are experiencing the symptoms below, and they’re new to you (and if they persist) it’s a good idea to see you doctor:
- Vague abdominal pain or pressure.
- Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion – different to your normal sensations.
- Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating.
- Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns.
- Low backache or cramps.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Unexplained weight loss.
(See here for more information on symptoms.)
The fact is, one woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. It could be you mum, your aunt, your sister or your best friend. Research is the answer and with the help of initiatives such as Frocktober, hopefully we’re getting closer to an early detection test that will save lives.
The past five Octobers have seen me wear a dress a day – during work life, pregnancy (twice) and toddler wrangling. This year I’ll be wearing a dress a day during my everyday life as a stay at home mother to two young daughters. Here’s a few photos from years gone by (and check out the Instagram filtering on 2012’s photo, hehe) and read more about my previous Frocktober efforts here.
About 8 months’ pregnant with Audrey during Frocktober 2015.
Frocktober 2012 – off to the races!
Frocktober 2013 – about 30 weeks pregnant wth Hannah.
The fact I’ve been taking part in Frocktober for the past five years of my life – some of the most eventful years of my life – means a lot to me and it’s something that will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m not sure if you’ll ever see me wear shorts or pants during October, ever again!
Because I now have two daughters, it’s become even more important to me to raise money for the OCRF. With funding for research, hopefully our daughters will never fear ovarian cancer; and they’ll never need to fundraise as it won’t exist. Obviously this is a way off, but I think it’s a goal that can be achieved, and we can all play a part.
This year, I’ll be documenting my featured dresses on Instagram here and Facebook here, and I’ll also do a weekly round up right here on the blog. Some of my favourite brands and businesses have gifted dresses for me to wear, and keep an eye out as I’ll also be holding a wardrobe sale to which all funds raised will be donated to the OCRF. Exciting!!
So, can you spare a few dollars? If you’d like to sponsor me and make a donation to the OCRF (receipts are emailed for tax purposes) click HERE.
Have you ever taken part in a challenge for charity?
