The Alternative Press

TraillWorks Turns The Towns Teal®

Sixth Annual Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

BROOKSIDE, NJ – This September (National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month) you may see Teal ribbons adorning trees, mailboxes, lamp posts, etc.  These biodegradable ribbons are to make people aware of ovarian cancer and its often silent symptoms.  Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the U.S.  There is NO early detection test and the symptoms are subtle and often misdiagnosed which is why knowing the symptoms is so very, very critical.     

Turn The Towns Teal® was founded in 2007 by Gail MacNeil of Chatham, NJ, who during her 10 year battle with the disease realized that NOT enough was being done for ovarian cancer awareness.  The Turn the Towns Teal Campaign not only consists of volunteers tying ribbons in and around town centers across the country but also distributing symptom cards to YMCAs, health clubs, libraries, church groups, etc.   “The ribbons are the visual, “commented Jane MacNeil, President of Turn The Towns Teal®.  “The the symptom cards are key in educating people about the disease and its symptoms  as when ovarian cancer is detected in the early stages, the survival rate is 90 to 95% successful. 

“Gail’s gynecologist dismissed her classic symptoms on 3 separate occasions.  Had she known the symptoms of ovarian cancer, she would have immediately sought the advice of a gynecological oncologist,” Jane MacNeil continued. “What happened to Gail, unfortunately, is not uncommon.  Most women are not diagnosed until it’s too late.  Knowing the symptoms and being personally proactive are critical in fighting this disease.”

“This year we have registrants in 36 states, and the enthusiasm for this awareness campaign just continues to grow.  Turn The Towns Teal is giving ovarian cancer survivors a voice that they’ve never had.  Many of our volunteers have lost a loved one to the disease, and they now can do something proactive in memory of their loved one. Women’s lives are being saved through the work of this volunteer effort”, concluded MacNeil. Newton, NJ has been tealed for the past three years by TraillWorks’ owner, Jennie Traill Schaeffer, in honor of Barbara Salamy, her mother’s college roommate who passed away from ovarian cancer.

Classic symptoms of ovarian cancer are: pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort (bloating), vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets, frequency and/or urgency of urination, unexplained changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight gain/loss, ongoing unusual fatigue, back pain, menstrual changes, and pain during intimacy. 

Visit www.turnthetownsteal.org to learn more.

Throughout the month of September, TraillWorks: studio, gallery, lessons of Newton, NJ will donate 10% from all jewelry and scarf sales to Turn The Towns Teal®. TraillWorks: Studio, Gallery, and Lessons is a multifaceted space where owner/artist, Jennie Traill Schaeffer, keeps her studio, operates a gallery, and teaches art lessons. The contemporary gallery features both fine and functional art by emerging and established guest artists, artisan jewelry, and Jennie's iconic paintings, drawings, and prints of aprons, kitchen appliances, and landscapes. Located at 214 Spring Street, 1st Floor, in Newton, NJ, is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 6pm and Saturday 12-8pm. Visit their website www.traillworks.com for more information.