One year after his sister passed away from ovarian cancer, Dermott Stevens and his wife Sarah are honouring her memory by donating funds to cancer research.
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The owners of ‘Dapper Dogs’ in Launceston decided to donate a dollar from each of their donuts sold through their pop up shop in town across the weekend.
Making 500 donuts, Mr Stevens said he hoped he could raise at least $500 for the cause and help raise awareness for those who may be suffering from the disease, which has the lowest survival rate of any women’s cancer.
“It seemed like something we could do to remember Shelley and contribute in some small way,” he said.
“For me, and for Sarah, we saw first hand how it destroyed our family for such a long time, it’s just awful.
“Everyone in some way will be affected by cancer at some point but I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. There’s so many forms of cancer affecting people but this one really hits home for me.
“It’s the first time someone close to me and from my immediate family has died from cancer.”
All funds collected through the couple’s initiative will be donated directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to see the development of an early detection test for ovarian cancer.
Currently the test does not exist and an estimated 1400 Australian women will be diagnosed this year with the cancer.
In Tasmania an average of 30 women will be diagnosed and 28 will die.
Mr and Mrs Stevens said they hoped their small contribution could help create a big solution.
“When there is early detection, the chance of survival increases,” Mr Stevens said.
“And now, knowing more about it and how there’s no early screenings I just really wanted to do something.
“Everyone has their own story or experience with cancer, it’s a very relatable thing, unfortunately.”
Next month ovarian cancer will be put under a national spotlight through the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s annual frocktober initiative, which aims to raise $500,000.
To find out more about local frocktober fundraising events, visit www.frocktober.org.au.
To donate directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation or find out more about the disease visit ocrf.com.au.