Middletown to Turn Teal in September

Middletown will once again be turned teal this September in support of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Volunteers will tie biodegradable ribbons on trees and polls throughout the Township this September to raise awareness about Ovarian cancer and its symptoms.

Courtney Mackrell, chairwomen of the Middletown event, has been turning the town teal for five years and each year the campaign’s reach has continued to grow, she said. 

"[I've] not only tying ribbons on polls and ribbons on trees but I’ve been able to educate students and staff members of Middletown Township public schools about the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer,” Mackrell said.

Mackrell said she has also asked students and staff to wear teal ribbons pins in the month of September.  

Free symptom and information cards will be also placed at local businesses.

Ovarian cancer is often known as the silent killer because its symptoms are not often recognized, said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore in a proclamation.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, about 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed. About 15,500 women will die of ovarian cancer in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

A woman’s lifetime risk of developing invasive ovarian cancer is 1 in 71 women, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. A woman’s lifetime risk of dying from invasive ovarian cancer is 1 in 95 women.

Turn The Towns Teal® is the inspiration of Gail MacNeil of Chatham, NJ. Volunteers, statewide, tie ribbons throughout town centers and hand out symptom cards during the month of September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Visit www.turnthetownsteal.org for more information on the campaign.