If you turn any corner in downtown Lewes, you’ll now see teal ribbons hanging everywhere.
Turn the Town Teal volunteers fanned out on August 21 to place the ribbons on lamp posts, fences and even the drawbridge over Savannah Road.
The annual event is a highly visible way to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, a disease that affects millions of women each year and often goes undetected.
Sally Oberle, vice president of special projects for the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation, said women should not ignore symptoms such as sudden weight gain, bloating and difficulty eating, but should see their doctor.
“Women tend to just dismiss things. It could be an upset stomach or the time of the month,” Oberle said. “Doctors aren’t that familiar with it yet and sometimes it takes two or three years for them to figure it out.”
Oberle said the Turn the Town Teal campaign began in New Jersey in 2003 and is now active in all 50 states.
Donna Verner is an ovarian cancer survivor and is now celebrating her 20th cancer-free anniversary.
“I recognized it early on. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. We have to represent ourselves best. We have to know our bodies,” said Verner.
Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams was one of the elected officials in attendance to honor ovarian cancer survivors. He said he is proud that Lewes is part of the campaign each year.
“There is not a lot of research on ovarian cancer. There needs to be a lot more attention on it, and this is a good opportunity for Lewes to serve in that capacity,” Williams said. “We are grateful that Turn the Town Teal has reached out to Lewes to join them in this cause.”
Campaign volunteers will hang ribbons in eight Delaware cities, at the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminals and at the Wilmington airport.
Oberle said the organization is constantly looking for volunteers.
For more information, visit turnthetownsteal.org.
