When people stand up by branding themselves with an otherwise nondescript blending of blue and green they are identifying with a cause for this one day. Though they have taken some action; getting dressed is harder work for some than others, they have simply identified that they are aware that there is a cause known as ovarian cancer. This is good, but we hope for more: we hope they become part of a movement. A movement brings together people of all walks of life to make a difference and bring about change. A movement does not stop until the goal is accomplished.
A movement needs people to talk, stuff envelopes, make phone calls, writer letters, tell stories and so much more.
The “Wear Teal Day” is about more than just wearing a color that identifies with a cause, but rather it is one of the first steps to being involved in a movement that might save your mother, sister or daughter’s life. As I think about the idea of this movement that I joined just a few years ago, I am struck that this does not happen in a vacuum. It takes multitudes of women, multitudes of men, and multitudes of groups and organizations focused on defeating ovarian cancer.
Over the last three years I have met so many amazing women and men who are leading this movement. As I sit down today to try to understand some of these people, I have identified several of those leaders’ roles:
An advocate is one who is publicly urging, arguing, and compelling people to take notice of ovarian cancer. They are willing to speak in public, to often shout (respectfully) and to make sure that every person hears about the reality of ovarian cancer and the opportunity of hope. I have personally seen women and men speak in front of Congress, talk to large stadiums of people and not take a “no” from their local media outlet all to “get the WORD out” about ovarian cancer.
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