Lewes turns teal for ovarian cancer

Turn any corner in downtown Lewes, and there are now teal ribbons hanging everywhere.

Volunteers for Turn the Town Teal fanned out Aug. 21 to attach the ribbons to lamp posts, fences and even the Savannah Road drawbridge.

The annual event is a very visible way to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. The disease impacts millions of women each year and often goes undiagnosed.

Sally Oberle, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation vice president of special projects, said women should not ignore symptoms like sudden weight gain, bloating and difficulty eating; they should see their doctor.

“Women tend to blow things off; it might be an upset stomach or that time of the month,” Oberle said. “Doctors are still not too familiar with it, and sometimes it takes two or three years to figure it out.”

Oberle said the Turn the Town Teal campaign started in New Jersey in 2003 and is now active in all 50 states.

Donna Verner is an ovarian cancer survivor who is celebrating 20 years cancer free. 

“I caught it early. Not everybody does, unfortunately. We have to be our own best advocate. We have to know our bodies,” Verner said.

Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams was one of the elected officials on hand to honor ovarian cancer survivors. He said he is proud that Lewes is part of the campaign every year.

“There is not a lot of research that’s done on ovarian cancer. This needs to have much more attention drawn to it, and this is a good opportunity for Lewes to serve in that capacity,” Williams said. “We’re thankful that Turn the Town Teal has turned to Lewes to join them in this cause.”

Campaign volunteers will be hanging ribbons in eight towns in Delaware, at Cape May-Lewes Ferry sites and at Wilmington airport.

Oberle said the organization is always looking for volunteers. 

For more information, go to turnthetownsteal.org.