NZ jeweller to the Queen designs brooch for cause

Issued on behalf of the Silver Ribbon Foundation
 
Media release
03 May 2009
 
NZ jeweller to the Queen designs brooch for a cause

An elegant silver ribbon brooch and pendant being sold by the Silver Ribbon Foundation in time for Mother’s Day, has been designed by New Zealand jeweller to the Queen, Peter Minturn, to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers.

The idea for the brooch and pendant, which acts as a symbol of support for women who have experienced gynaecological cancer, was suggested to Peter by friend and jewellery store owner Sarah Hutchings.

Sadly, Sarah knows only too well the impact that gynaecological cancer can have on a family. Her mother Bev passed away from uterine cancer four years ago.

“When we found out that my mum had uterine cancer it had already been there for some time, which meant that by the time mum was diagnosed and had her hysterectomy the prognosis was very poor”, said Sarah.

Unfortunately, Sarah’s family has been touched by gynaecological more than once. In 2002 Sarah’s sister-in-law Jan, found out that she had cervical cancer.

“We found out that Jan had a cancerous lesion on her cervix. Thankfully it was caught in time and could be removed. The best option for Jan was to have a hysterectomy, which she did and she has now made a full recovery.

“Luckily when she had the hysterectomy she had finished having her family and has two fantastic boys, now 13 and 17 years old”, adds Sarah.

With Mother’s Day coming up Sarah felt it was the perfect time to raise awareness of an issue that affects so many New Zealand women.

“I really hope that the sale of the brooch or pendant will prompt more women to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers. Early detection can save lives.”

On sale now, the silver ribbon brooch and pendant will cost from $60 and can be bought by visiting Sarah at Orsini Jewellery in Parnell, Auckland or by going to www.silverribbon.co.nz.  Profits will enable the Silver Ribbon Foundation to provide information and support to women and families faced with a diagnosis of gynaecological cancer.

Rachel Coates, co-founder and trustee of the Silver Ribbon Foundation said, “Every day one woman in New Zealand dies from a gynaecological cancer, which includes ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulval cancer.

“Unfortunately, a major reason for this is that because the symptoms are not well known, or commonly mistaken by women as being something else, they often go unreported.

“Every time a silver ribbon pendant or brooch is sold, the profit that the Silver Ribbon Foundation receives will help to ensure that women have easy access to information about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, and that those faced with a diagnosis will have the information and networks to support them through their journey”, adds Rachel. 

For more information about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers visit www.silverribbon.co.nz

About Silver Ribbon:

The Silver Ribbon Foundation is a registered New Zealand charity that was established as a family initiative in 2006 to provide a gateway to knowledge, support and vital research to those affected by the disease.

It was co-founded by sisters Rachel Coates and Jackie Whiting, after the passing of their mother Leonie of ovarian cancer in 2006.

About Gynaecological Cancer:

There are four main types of gynaecological cancer, all with differing symptoms:

• Ovarian cancer - 312 new cases diagnosed and 173 deaths each year

• Cervical cancer - 180 new cases diagnosed and 65 deaths each year

• Uterine (endometrial) cancer - 314 new cases diagnosed and 78 deaths each year

• Vulval cancer - 42 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths each year

Of particular concern to Silver Ribbon is ovarian cancer. Because it is very hard to detect (the symptoms are vague, and there is no screening test for ovarian cancer) and often diagnosed late, the chances of survival are heavily reduced. As a result, 80% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die within 5 years.

ENDS

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