Spring 1996
|
Please note: the information contained within this archived newsletter may no longer be current |
|
My interest in ovarian cancer grew stronger as my disease progressed. The more treatment and surgery I underwent, the more I needed to get my hands on the right information. This proved very difficult, and I gradually realised what a 'silent' disease this is. There is research going on, but it's fairly unpublicised. More importantly I could find no support group to provide me with the information and the contact with others that I needed. So, I decided to 'do my bit' to raise awareness. I wrote my story, and it was published in the February '96 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. The story concentrated on the effect of my cancer on my small family, particularly the implications for my three year old daughter and her likely future without a mother. The article obviously touched a nerve, and I was overwhelmed by the response, from sufferers, families and friends of sufferers, health professionals, well wishers and the media. I rewrote the article for the Mirror Woman; Michèle and I appeared on BBC 1's Good Morning programme; and I also appeared on Sky One. OVACOME is the result of my little campaign, and I can only hope that it will be a success, because the letters I received show that it is needed. I know that I have benefited tremendously by hearing from women who are going through a similar experience, and I was inspired to speak to women who have survived. I want to give this chance to others. Sarah Dickinson, founder of Ovacome |
