Turn the Towns Teal – September 2010

Turn The Towns Teal is a campaign to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. The campaign is in effect throughout the month of September which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It consists of volunteers tying teal ribbons in towns as well as volunteers handing out symptom cards and literature on ovarian cancer. Additionally, there is a special emphasis to speak to women’s groups throughout the month to make them aware of the silent symptoms of the disease. There is NO early detection test for ovarian cancer which is why this awareness campaign is so very, very critical in fighting the disease.

Gail MacNeil of Chatham Township, NJ came up with the clever alliterative name ~ Turn The Towns Teal, and it was she who came up with the idea for the campaign. Most importantly she wanted women to be aware of the symptoms which are often almost silent and seemingly vague; Gail was fastidious about her health, and on three separate occasions her gynecologist assured her that her symptoms were merely associated with “middle age”. On December 22, 1997 she was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer.

Gail launched the Turn The Towns Teal campaign in September 2007 at which time 40 towns throughout the State of New Jersey participated. The next year over 129 towns participated.

The 2009 campaign is being spearheaded by Gail’s sister-in-law, Jane MacNeil who stated, “Right now we’re just expanding through word of mouth. People see the ribbons or have heard about us, and they contact us because they want to help. Way, way too many people are affected by this disease through a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, etc. We’re proud to announce that the 2009 campaign of Turn The Towns Teal will be in over 175 towns throughout New Jersey as well as towns in 8 other states. We’ve already received recognition from national organizations that want to be part of our awareness campaign as we go forward. A primary mission of our Advisory Committee is to make this a national campaign in the foreseeable future,” continued MacNeil.

To get involved and help organize in 2010, please contact The Teal Tea Foundation who works closely with the Turn the Towns Teal campaign and Jane MacNeil.

Do you have a girl scout or cub scout troop or community service school organization who might be able to help Turn the Towns Teal? If so, please contact Jean Shipos at njtealtea@aol.com.