Young Ovarian Cancer Support Group Update

[Kerry]

I'm delighted to report that the first Y.O.C.S.G. meeting took place on 19th January in Central London. The evening was a great start to what I hope will become a valuable source of support for younger women (and their partners) who are affected by Ovarian and Endometrial cancer. The event proved so popular in fact that we out grew our inital venue before the first meeting took place. Thanks to Ovacome, a suitable alternative temporary venue was swiftly organised!

Chaired by Ovacome's lovely Support Line Nurse, Ruth Payne, the evening was attended by young ladies in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. It was a chance for us to meet others in a similar boat and share our stories, coping tips and hopes for the future, we even managed to share a few giggles too – which is always a welcome tonic! We have already received positive feedback from women who have described the experience as "fantastic", "uplifting" and a "very powerful positive meeting"

The evening was also attended by Ovacome's Latha Kanthaswamy who was keen to hear and reflect the voice of younger women affected by OvCa and Ruth Grigg who gave a rousing closing speech on how we can make a difference – by spreading the word of the BEAT campaign and by helping to provide a compelling voice for this under publicised disease.

We are currently in discussions with a fantastic London Cancer Support Centre who have expressed their enthusiasm for holding the future meetings at their comfortable Central London venue and we hope to report back with details of the next get together very soon.

In the meantime a BIG THANK YOU to Ruth P and all those at Ovacome who listened to our needs and together, made this much needed initiative possible.

Kerry x

[dundeegirl]

This sounds so great. Are there any plans to extend it outwith the London area? We really need this in Scotland!

[Kerry]

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for the comment. This important point is still on the agenda (not only for our Scottish ladies but for all those outside the London area) and I will be talking to the centre this week about this very issue so I hope we'll have some kind of answer v. soon. Kerryx

[dundeegirl]

thanks for that Kerry!

[charlie-busby20]

i was just 19 when i found out i had cancer an would like to no if there is anything like this in brum

[BusyLizzie in reply to charlie-busby20]

Hi Charlie,

I am 45 (diagnosed at age 44) also stage 3c. I am not a million miles from Brum.

I don't know if they do any meetings there - I think there is one in Worcestershire at St Richards Hospice, but it covers all gynae cancers not just oc. If you contact ovacome directly, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Love Lizzie

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