 |
 |
 |
SEPTEMBER MARKS 2ND ANNUAL “TURN THE TOWNS” TEAL CAMPAIGN |
 |
“Teal” creator and KOH co-founder
Gail MacNeil |
|
“Teal” co-chair
Jane MacNeil |
|
| This September, thousands of volunteers will once again branch out across the Garden State to “Turn the Towns Teal,” the second annual campaign to help spread awareness of ovarian cancer throughout New Jersey. The 2008 Turn the Towns Teal campaign is coordinated in conjunction with and sponsored by the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation (KOH), Atlantic Health Systems and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition/Northern New Jersey Chapter. |
 |
This year the campaign is pleased to have as its honorary chairman U. S. Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, who has long supported the efforts of the Kaleidoscope of Hope foundation to find an early detection test, advanced treatments and a cure for ovarian cancer. “Knowledge is power, and we want to empower as many women as possible,” said Jane MacNeil, co-chair along with Ann Marie Battaglia, of the 2008 Turn the Towns Teal campaign. “People need to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are often vague and can be misdiagnosed. So it’s a matter of awareness—educating the public about this ‘silent killer’ so that women will know what they’re up against.” MacNeil’s sister-in-law and Kaleidoscope of Hope co-founder Gail MacNeil came up with the concept just a year ago, and led the inaugural campaign that saw more than three dozen town governments across New Jersey proclaim September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and punctuate the effort with ribbons of teal, the color that signifies ovarian cancer. |
“Teal” honorary chairman U.S Representative
Rodney Frelinghuysen |
|
| In June of this year, Gail MacNeil succumbed to ovarian cancer after an almost 11-year fight. “It was Gail’s vision to literally turn the towns teal,” said Jane MacNeil. “It caught fire, and we’re continuing it.” For the 2008 campaign volunteers will again tie teal ribbons around trees, mailboxes, at public buildings and stores, and along main thoroughfares throughout the state to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. The disease earns its “silent” moniker because the symptoms are often masked, causing the cancer to go unnoticed and, in many cases, be misdiagnosed. As a result, the ovarian cancer is often confirmed only later, in its more life-threatening stages, when treatment options and chances of long-term survival are greatly reduced. “Gail was an inspiration for her energy and creativity, helping so many people along the way despite battling the disease herself,” said Jane MacNeil. “With the Teal campaign, she grabbed people’s attention and really created awareness of ovarian cancer. She thought of the teal ribbons and town proclamations, and came up with the clever, alliterative name: Turn the Towns Teal.” |
 |
Gail MacNeil, Jane MacNeil,
Teal co-chair Ann Marie Battaglia |
 |
| |
Pat Castle, Felicia Castle, Mary Castle |
|
| |
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer deaths and the 5th leading cause of women’s deaths in the United States. This year’s awareness campaign, which began in May with a reception at the Carol G. Simon Center in Morristown, was attended by Congressman Frelinghuysen and a host of physicians and researchers from the medical community, as well as scores of Teal volunteers. “We’re saving lives by raising awareness of the symptoms of this disease,” said Jane MacNeil, who added that the campaign plans to organize teal ribbon teams in 95 towns throughout New Jersey, with extended volunteers across the U.S. and in Great Britain. Those interested in volunteering may contact Jane MacNeil at
jmaccb@aol.com, putting TTTT in the subject line, and including their name, address, and contact information in order to be placed with the appropriate town leader. For more information about ovarian cancer contact Kaleidoscope of Hope at www.kohnj.org or (973) 644-0500. |
|
 |
Pat Castle, Dave MacNeil, George Salamy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
