It’s Time to Do Teal in Texas, & Ring In The Cure for Ovarian Cancer

Great Western’s Julie Shrell is on a mission this month, a mission to wipe out ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer there is. More than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and more than 15,000 will die from the disease. Sadly, there is no reliable early detection or screening test available, only regular visits to your ObGyn, which may be limited by ACA rules and regulations. The best diagnostic tool is the vaginal ultrasound and to be familiar with the symptoms, all of which means more awareness and talking to your doctor about this disease on every single visit.

We are so happy that Julie, a senior loan officer at Great Western,  is an almost 4 year survivor of ovarian cancer and is in remission. She was diagnosed with stage 3-C through a hysterectomy 4 years ago, but has fought it. And we are so happy for her that we are all going to paint our nails and toenails teal for the whole month of September.

“Because of Ovarian cancer awareness month, people can paint their toes teal and help raise money to fight Ovarian cancer, ” says Julie. “Thanks to a company called SEI — Southern Enterprises, Inc., you can post pictures of your toes on Facebook with the hashtag #SEICares, and SEI will donate a dollar to the Be The Difference Foundation”  for every picture posted with a hashtag.”

Why is Southern Enterprises Inc. being so generous? The company has had personal experience with Ovarian cancer: a cousin of one of the owners was recently diagnosed.

And if you saw all those glitzy teal rings flashing last Friday, that’s because September 12 was “Ring in the Cure” day for the foundation. Be The Difference got as many people as possible to proudly wear a gumball-size, flashing teal ring on their finger(s) on September 12, 2014, the middle of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Julie was flashing on Friday — because she wants the whole world to know that it’s high time to change those statistics,

“We still have stickers, info cards, and other materials to help you spread the word,” she says. “Get everyone involved! Help us ensure that from the daycare, to the healthclub, to the office, everyone is flashing their rings and spreading the word on September 12 and beyond!”

You go girl!