The Meaning and History Behind the Ovarian Cancer Ribbon

The Meaning Behind the Ovarian Cancer Ribbon

The ovarian cancer ribbon is a powerful symbol used to raise awareness about this deadly women's cancer. The ribbon's unique color holds significance and represents the fight to find a cure. Understanding the meaning behind the ovarian cancer ribbon can help spread information during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

The Teal Ribbon Color

The ovarian cancer ribbon is teal in color. This distinctive hue was chosen to represent ovarian cancer specifically. Other common cancer ribbon colors include pink for breast cancer and purple for pancreatic cancer. The first teal ribbons were created in the 1990s by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA).

The teal color is meant to symbolize healing therapies that absorb negative energy while restoring hope. It also represents open communication and raising awareness around ovarian cancer. The rich, vibrant teal shade empowers advocates to share their stories and stand in solidarity.

Wearing the Teal Ribbon

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, the teal ribbon is worn to honor survivors and memorialize those lost to ovarian cancer. The ribbon is an instantly recognizable symbol that inspires conversations and outreach around this deadly women's cancer.

You can wear a teal ovarian cancer ribbon pinned to your shirt, as a bracelet, or displayed on personal items like bags or water bottles. Displaying the ribbon daily throughout September promotes awareness. It also shows support for those affected by ovarian cancer in a meaningful, visual way.

Teal Ribbon Symbols

The ovarian cancer ribbon is adorned with powerful symbols that relay the community's key messages:

• The ribbon shape signifies the bonds of sisterhood and feminine strength.
• The color teal represents healing, openness, and empowerment.
• The symmetrical loops have no beginning or end, mirroring the community's dedication to fighting for a cure.

These poignant symbols highlight the teal ribbon's role as an icon of ovarian cancer awareness. The ribbon continues to evolve as a sign of solidarity, hope, and remembrance.

The History of the Teal Ribbon

The teal ribbon became a unifying force in the ovarian cancer community through key events and grassroots efforts. Understanding its history sheds light on how the ribbon revolutionized awareness.

Charlotte Haley Creates the First Cancer Ribbons

The concept of colored ribbons symbolizing a cause originated in the 1970s with Charlotte Haley, a 68-year-old grandmother. To raise awareness about cancer's impacts, Haley handmade peach-colored ribbons and gave them out with cards saying, "The National Cancer Institute's annual budget is $1.8 billion, and only 5% goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up legislators and America."

As the peach ribbons gained popularity, the Susan G. Komen Foundation approached Haley about a partnership. She declined, wanting the ribbons to remain a grassroots awareness effort. The Komen Foundation then developed the now ubiquitous pink breast cancer ribbon in 1992.

OCNA Adopts the Teal Ribbon

Inspired by Haley's ribbons, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance announced they would use teal ribbons to promote ovarian cancer awareness, prevention, and funding. Teal provided an eye-catching color that distinguished the community's efforts from pink breast cancer ribbons.

In 1997, OCNA Founder Annie O'Neill organized the first Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. That September, activists across America wore the new teal ribbons at walks, runs, rallies, and awareness events. The striking ribbons helped spread understanding of vague ovarian cancer symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and fatigue.

Teal Ribbon Goes Viral

In 1998, OCNA and ovarian cancer survivor Roberta Hoehne decorated the entire female population of Tulsa, Oklahoma with teal ribbons. This community event generated national excitement around the teal ribbon.

Media exposure from this event helped the teal ribbon gain international recognition as the symbol of the ovarian cancer movement. ONCA also patented the teal ribbon to preserve its meaning and keep other causes from copying its iconic design.

Wearing the Teal Ribbon Year-Round

The teal ribbon is most prominent each September during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. But ovarian cancer warriors, survivors, and advocates wear teal ribbons year-round toSpread support and remembrance.

Honoring Loved Ones

Because ovarian cancer often lacks effective early screening, many women are diagnosed at later, difficult-to-treat stages. The teal ribbon honors those who lost their battle with ovarian cancer and keeps their memories alive.

Wearing or gifting teal ribbons is a compassionate gesture that comforts grieving families. Displaying the ribbon demonstrates the community will never forget loved ones taken too soon by ovarian cancer.

Supporting Survivors

For ovarian cancer survivors, spotting a teal ribbon can feel like a validating hug. The ribbon acts as a symbol of support from someone who understands their journey.

Survivors may wear teal ribbons to find solidarity, remember milestones, and band together. The ribbons represent hope and strength to persevere through difficult treatments and long-term effects.

Raising Funds and Volunteering

Sports teams, schools, businesses, and other organizations often sell teal ribbons year-round to benefit ovarian cancer charities. This steady fundraising provides crucial resources for research, clinical trials, financial assistance, and other programs.

Volunteering at ovarian cancer events while wearing the teal ribbon also ignites change year-round. Ribbon-adorned volunteers raise spirits by showing compassion at hospitals, walks, conferences, and teal lightings.

The Future of the Teal Ribbon

The teal ribbon has become an integral part of the ovarian cancer community's grassroots identity. As the ribbon evolves, its meaning will grow through new traditions, events, and displays of solidarity.

Emerging Traditions

Teal ribbon keychains, bracelets, and necklaces allow year-round display. Teal lighting ceremonies cast landmarks worldwide in the ribbon's hue each September. Painting fingernails teal is also an emerging tradition within the community.

New traditions will form around the teal ribbon, allowing diverse, creative expressions of commitment to raising awareness for ovarian cancer.

Spotlight on Survivors

Ovarian cancer survivors' stories and experiences will gain prominence through teal ribbon events. Spotlighting their resilience, wisdom, and passion fuels advocacy.

Celebrating survivor milestones and showcasing their journeys through art, blogs, videos, and events will strengthen communal bonds.

Research Breakthroughs

Funds raised through teal ribbon campaigns stay focused on the end goal - a cure. These funds accelerate research on early detection methods, personalized treatments, therapies to overcome recurring cancer, and more.

Each breakthrough funded by the teal ribbon will be a milestone to rally around. Someday, the teal ribbon may transition from a memorial symbol to an emblem of victory over ovarian cancer.

The ovarian cancer ribbon continues to unite, inspire, and empowers advocates against this deadly women's cancer. By understanding the teal ribbon's history and meaning, everyone can help share its message of hope during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.