The Lou Quinn Ovarian Cancer Fund.

On May 1st 2013 one of my best friends was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She died on May 13th 2013. Her name is Lou Quinn, and needless to say her death was gutting to her family and to her friends. It was so quick, so unexpected and so unknown.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are so vague, so please be vigilant. This list is sourced from The Australian Cancer Council:

Symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer are vague and may include one or more of the following:

• abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness.
• loss of appetite.
• unexplained weight gain.
• constipation.
• heartburn.
• back, abdominal or pelvic pain.
• frequent urination.
• fatigue.

Following her passing her partner, Terry and her Mum, Maggie, established the "Lou Quinn Ovarian Cancer Fund", which over this past year has raised more than $21,000.00 for The Royal Women's Hospital's research into ovarian cancer. This is an amazing achievement.

Please, if you have a bit of spare cash, donate to Lou's fund here. All funds are needed so desperately for ongoing research.

Terry is also on a huge fundraising ride around America currently, he is determined to raise awareness of this terrible disease. You can follow his ride via his blog, it is a terrific read, with great photos to enjoy as well.

Source: http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/early-detection/early-detection-factsheets/ovarian-cancer.html

Vale Lou

On Monday May 13th 2013, the world lost a compassionate and outstanding young woman, and I lost a true friend. She was 33 years of age, and she died 13 days after the discovery of a tumour that turned out to be ovarian cancer. She was brave, dignified and funny to the end, and I will miss her enormously. 

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affectiion of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)