April 29, 2010

Helping to Find a Cure for Ovarian Cure This StyleWeek

The team behind StyleWeek Providence is not just a group of individuals who enjoy fashion, but they also enjoy giving back. Therefore, it only seems sitting to use StyleWeek Providence as a platform to raise awareness and issues that plague our world. Ovations for a Cure, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for ovarian cancer has been named the official national charity of StyleWeek Providence.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that gets little attention, even though at least 15,000 women die each year from ovarian cancer. Specifically, in the United States, 1 in 56 women develop ovarian cancer, making that more then 26,000 new cases diagnosed each year. “Amid the many women’s health concerns today, ovarian cancer is too often overlooked, so we are honored to assist in this mission to heighten awareness and combat this deadly disease,” StyleWeek Executive Director Rosanna Sinel Ortiz comments on the partnership. Fittingly, in StyleWeek’s inaugural year, it only seems natural that we would pick a charity that would get the attention it deserves.

Sinel also remarks, “Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer is an amazing organization that fights to save women’s lives through education and awareness of ovarian cancer.” Believe it or not, the organization was actually founded in 2006 by nine-year ovarian cancer survivor Patricia Franchi Flaherty, who also lost her mother to the disease. For the past 4 years, Patty has dedicated her life to raising awareness of the risk factors and warning signs that are overlooked so no other women would have to endure what she did. (How awesome is she?)

Ovations for a Cure works to combat ovarian cancer by educating women in three ways. First, by providing critical funding of new and ongoing ovarian cancer research and treatment initiatives. Second, by actively increasing the awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of this silent disease. Third, by giving hope, education and comfort to those currently battling ovarian cancer through its patient programs.

All throughout StyleWeek there will be after-parties at hotels such as Hotel Providence and Renaissance Hotel. Attendees will be able to raise funds for the organizations by going to the various venues where they will mingle with the designers, celebrate the fashion, and see the evening’s runway shows broadcast on big screens, but they will be able to raise money for this incredible organization.