Australian fashion retailer Black Pepper and Ovarian Cancer Australia are marking ten years of partnership with a nationwide campaign to raise awareness over the illness that affects thousands of women each year.
As part of the marketing campaign, four ovarian cancer survivors have united to share their stories and offer advice. Jo, Christine, Mary and Victoria will feature on posters and signage that will be rolled out across 80 Black Pepper stores nationwide, as well as on the retailer’s website and social media channels during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this February.
The women will model Black Pepper clothing, including a specially designed scarf and blouse with a portion of sales going to Ovarian Cancer Australia. The campaign aims to raise $100,000 in funds to support women with ovarian cancer.
Over the last 10 years, Black Pepper has helped raise over $800,000 for Ovarian Cancer Australia, which offers support and advice to those affected and lobbies government for change.
“We’re proud of our 10 year partnership with Ovarian Cancer Australia and for helping them to support these inspiring women in their battle against this devastating disease,” Black Pepper marketing manager Jacquie McIntosh said.
“Early diagnosis saves lives, so hopefully our awareness campaign will encourage women to trust their inner voice and not dismiss persistent symptoms, no matter how mild.”
Busy lawyer and mum of two Christine said her cancer experience was regrettably like many in her situation.
“I was a busy, newly promoted lawyer with two children and my symptoms, whilst persistent, were not causing a significant disruption to my day and were easy to ignore,” she said.
“But there was a little voice inside my head that was telling me something was not quite right.
After tests for a urinary tract infection came back clear, Christine asked her GP what exactly is wrong with her.
Christine said her GP suggested she do some further tests including an ultrasound.
“When I saw the look on the sonographer’s face, I immediately got an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach,” she said.
“I asked if he could just tell me which organ or body part was of concern to which he replied it was my ovaries.
“With a family history of cancer plaguing me, that was the moment I realised ovarian cancer may have been the culprit all along for my symptoms.
“I lost my mother to cancer; she missed many key milestones like my graduation and my wedding, so I refuse to let cancer take me away from my kids' milestones too.”
Black Pepper will be selling a limited edition OCA scarf valued at $29.99, an Elisha Blouse valued at $99.99, alongside pens and ribbons across stores and online, with a portion of sales going to Ovarian Cancer Australia.