This year’s campaign is now in the history books…I hope that it was a fun and rewarding experience for all who participated. When it comes to ovarian cancer, the awareness message is vital. Here we are five years into this campaign, and I was certain we were on the cusp of a reliable screening tool in 2006, when we founded Blue Hydrangea Tea Party™ . Sadly, we are still not there yet. But, I believe there is more attention to this disease than ever before, and for that we can be hopeful. This is due to the tremendous work of all the major awareness organizations. But, it is also due, in part, to those who participate in efforts like ours each year. There are many people out there bringing many ideas to the table. We hope to bring some of these to your attention, as we continue grow our own campaign. So much is being done to raise awareness…so many wonderfully creative ideas for bringing ovarian cancer into the consciousness of all women, not just those affected by it in some way. But, of course, there is still so much work to be done…so many women just don’t think it’s something they need to think about…and so many women are mistaken about being “tested” for it each year. We must continue to inform women about the nature of this disease…that there is no tool to test for it…that the pap smear does NOT test for it…that there are vague symptoms that mimic other health issues. Yes, there is still so much work to be done…

As we go forward with our campaign, I will focus on the Two for Tea™ outreach ministry - introduced this year - as a year-round effort, sending out care packs upon request. I’m often asked about these…The care packs contain a box of tea and some inspirational reading material. They are free to women battling ovarian cancer. It is our way of reaching out to those who are in the heat of the battle. Anyone wishing to receive a care pack should email me at Jennie@BHTP.ORG.

The BHTP campaign has evolved in these past 5yrs, and we hope to continue to put our energies toward “stirring up the chatter about ovarian cancer” and toward “bringing other women into the circle of awareness.” But, with the addition of the outreach ministry, we have an opportunity to fulfill the “women supporting women” part of our mission. There is an infinite blessing in coming alongside another person in need. I feel called to do this. In speaking with other people affected by ovarian cancer…for the family members who must watch their loved one fight this disease…I have found that we all seem to share an unspoken understanding of the struggle to beat this cancer and of the unrelenting nature of it. It is a brutal enemy that sometimes our best efforts cannot defeat. There are many things that are out of our control…not just this disease…We can either live in faith or in fear. For now, awareness is our best weapon against ovarian cancer and toward early diagnosis. But, when going into battle, attitude is everything. We will continue fighting side by side with our “sisters in arms”…And, we will fight while wearing our best tea party attire…drinking from our best china tea cups…and with our pinkies held high!

Join me in giving the pinkie finger to ovarian cancer!!
~Jennie