The UConn field hockey program has begun an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Program to raise public knowledge of the fourth leading cause of cancerous death in American women. Kathy Silverman, the mother of sophomore Cara Silverman, proposed the idea for the campaign. Mrs. Silverman, a native of Allentown, Penn., and graduate of the University of Delaware, is an ovarian cancer survivor. After having seen all of the awareness programs hosted by women's basketball, volleyball and softball, Silverman was motivated to begin an awareness program of her own.
Kathy Silverman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2007 and finished her chemotherapy in July of this year. She has no signs of cancer at this time. "I was diagnosed in a late stage and I want to get the awareness out there," said Silverman. Unfortunately, 75 percent of all women diagnosed are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. Therefore raising awareness will familiarize potential victims with symptoms and help them to be conscious of the disease in early stages.
Ovarian cancer is an increasing problem within the medical world. A recent study reports one in 57 women in will have ovarian cancer in their lifetime - up from one in 70 in 2002. Roughly one in 95 cases have been fatal, making ovarian cancer the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. This form of cancer causes more deaths than all of Gynecologic Oncology combined.
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovary grow and divide erratically eventually leading to the growth of tumors. The liver, intestines and stomach are affected, as tumors sometimes spread to these vital organs. Signs and symptoms of the disease are common to other less serious conditions or sicknesses. Loss of appetite, sudden weight loss or gain, nausea, diarrhea and gas are only a few of the familiar symptoms.
Silverman approached coach Nancy Stevens with the idea of her event. She proposed it be held in September, which is the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, during UConn's only afternoon game. Silverman received approval and went on to organize the event with the help of student Vladimir Power. Original plans were to hold the campaign during the day game against Louisville. Instead it was extended 10 days, a period in which three home games are being played. It was titled the 10 Days of Hope. The first game was held last week against Drexel. The next two games are on Wednesday against Harvard and Saturday against Louisville.
When Silverman proposed the idea to Stevens, the longtime Huskies' field hockey coach replied, "lets create awareness but let's also create some funds." Silverman then arranged a silent auction, receiving donations from the University, the Co-op, the Athletic Department and the Sixth Man Sports Shop. The list of items includes a valuable basketball signed by last year's NCAA National Champion women's team, four tickets to a Women's Basketball game, watches, a signed team picture of the Field Hockey team and UConn field hockey apparel.
The campaign's goal is to collect over $1,000 to be donated to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. In addition to participating in the silent auction, supporters can donate at any point during a field hockey game this week or at the Student Union on Tuesday or Thursday. Several players, including Kathy's daughter, Cara, will be running a table in the Student Union raising Ovarian Cancer awareness and collecting donations.
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