Sunday, September 9, 2012 | 1
The Herald Press
Turn The Town Teal
Bristol becomes the ‘Teal City’
By LLUVIA MARES
INSIDE
STAFF WRITER
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BRISTOL — Teal-colored ribbons have taken over Federal Hill Park and Memorial Boulevard, deck the large evergreen tree in front of Webster Bank and can be spotted through the downtown area and at various businesses in the city. There are also lawn and window signs as well as information about ovarian cancer at numerous sites. These displays are manifestations of the local Turn the Town Teal campaign, a feature of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in September each year. The goal of the campaign, which was launched here last year by Judie and her husband Tony Lodovico, is to foster awareness of what is known as the “silent disease” and encourage women to know its symptoms and recognize that “the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis.” “Ovarian cancer is rare, and unfortunately the deadliest of all gynecological cancers,” said Bristol resident Judie Lodovico, campaign organizer and a 10-year survivor of the disease. The Lodovicos’ “Turn the Towns Teal” campaign has been boosted by volunteers tying the teal-colored ribbons around town, including trees at City Hall, Main Street and Memorial Boulevard. “I saw the ribbons two years ago while visiting my children in Florida
N.J. woman founded campaign, Page 2 Meet the Lodovicos, Page 3 Symptons and risk factors, Page 5 Team Teal gets lots of help, Page 7
Mike Orazzi | Staff
Judie and Tony Lodovico decorate tree at Webster Bank on Main Street with teal ribbons.
and I knew that teal was the color of ovarian cancer and wanted to bring that to Bristol,” she said. “Right now this event is in 35 different states and in more than 1,000 communities.” Judie Lodovico said last year’s event went so well that several businesses offered to help them with their cause this year. “It’s been great so far,” she said. “We hope to make this event bigger so that no other family has to go through what our family went through.” Judie said although not too many people know what the color ‘teal’ represents she feels that their organization is making an impact in the community.
according to the Turn the Towns Teal website. Gorack said after her mother’s diagnoses she’s been diligent in getting her annual physicals and check-ups. “When she told us what she wanted to do we all jumped aboard,” Gorack said about Turn the Towns Teal. “She’s amazing and I’m so glad that my children get to see how strong their grandmother is.” Turn the Towns Teal was founded in New Jersey by the family of Gail MacNeil who lost her battle to the disease. Individuals wishing to obtain a teal bow may pick one up at the Bristol Press, 188 Main St. or the Artificial Flower Shop, 246 Lake Ave. while supplies last.
Jennifer Lodovico Gorack,Lodovico’s daughter, said she is very proud of her mother. “My son said it best, my mother is an inspiration because she’s making so many people aware of the dangers of this disease,” she said. “Before this hit home, we have never really heard about ovarian cancer.” This past June, Judie became a 10-year ovarian cancer survivor. There is no early detection test for For more information on ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer, which makes it even visit www.turnthetownsteal.org. more critical that women become aware of the known symptoms. If detected Lluvia Mares can be reached at (860) 584in the early stages, the survival rate 0504, ext. 7238, or at lmares@bristolpress.com. for ovarian cancer is 90-to-95 percent,
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TURN THE TOWN TEAL
Partner does his part downtown
Mike Orazzi | Staff
Tracy- Driscoll Insurance President Brian Dehm, a partner in the Bristol Turn the Town Teal campaign, places a teal ribbon on an Evergreen tree outside the Webster Bank on Main Street.
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Annual campaign has roots in Jersey
The Turn The Towns Teal campaign to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its silent symptoms is in its second year in Bristol but its origins can be traced back to late 1997. Gail MacNeil of Chatham, N.J., who was inspired by her own experiences, founded Turn The Towns Teal and set the guidelines for an annual campaign in which volunteers tie teal ribbons throughout town centers and hand out symptom cards during September — National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. During MacNeil’s 10-year battle with ovarian cancer, the group’s website notes, she realized first-hand that not enough was being done to publicize the symptoms of the disease. She had been fastidious about her health and went to her gynecologist on three separate occasions complaining of classic symptoms. However, her doctor dismissed these symptoms as merely the onset of middle age, according to turnthetownsteal.org. On December 23, 1997, the New Jersey woman Gail was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer. There is no early detec-
tion test for ovarian cancer, the website noted, which is why this campaign is so very, very critical in fighting the disease. MacNeil had laid the foundation of Turn The Towns Teal, setting guidelines for the campaign including the requirement that ribbons be put up in the beginning of September and taken down at the end of the month. She also required that volunteers receive written approval from their towns about placement of the ribbons. MacNeil started this campaign in 2007 at which time 40 towns in New Jersey participated. In three years, nearly 200 communities participated in 29 states. MacNeil died in 2008. In 2009, MacNeil’s husband trademarked the name Turn The Towns Teal and Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. was formed. Subsequently the trademark was assigned to the new corporation which was later granted 501 (c) (3) status as a non-profit organization. Today, the campaign is being carried forward by the MacNeil Family and volunteers. The hope is to take it nationally.
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For Lodovicos, tealing fits a 55-year love affair BY BOB MONTGOMERY STAFF WRITER
Tony and Judie Lodovico have survived the many obstacles couples have thrown at them in life, including one huge one a decade ago, that of Judie being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now, the Bristol couple are doing their part in bringing the disease to the attention of others in Bristol. They do it as a team in what is called “Turn The Town Teal,” where teal-colored ribbons heighten awareness of the disease, its symptons and treatment. This is the second year they have worked together on this campaign. That’s pretty-much the way it’s been for the couple who celebrated their 47th anniversary on Tuesday, handling and doing things with a team approach. “We met 55 years ago,” said Tony. “We dated for eight years before we got married.” The story of their romance is a heartwarming one. They met when Judie was a freshman and Tony was a sophomore at St.
didn’t want Tony and Judie to Anthony’s High School. leave Bristol and to be at the “We met at the (Bristol) same school together. Boys Club Friday night dance,” said Judie.“We chatted because Tony would end up going he wasn’t the dancing type. to the University of Dayton And, actually, we talked sports, and, a year later, Judie to Becker we both liked sports.He played College in Massachusetts. soccer, basketball and baseball “These were the geographic for St. Anthony’s and I became distances our parents wanted,” a cheerleader.” said Judie. Following college, the two Tony would finish his basstarted their careers at Stafford ketball practice at the Boys Springs High School in the fall Club and would then go to the Tony and Judie Lodovico of 1965. Tony was a teacher and dance that followed there. “Our first dance was ‘Puppy kick off 2011 campaign. Judie worked in the guidance office. Three days before their Love,’” said Judie. first day of school, on Sept. 4, From then and there, as both would agree, they were joined at the hip. they married and honeymooned over the Labor Day weekend, “He’s really my soul mate,” said Judie. After high school, Tony graduating a year “We celebrated by going to a New York ahead of Judie, they were both interested in Yankees doubleheader,” said Judie. “We’re attending the University of Miami. both Yankee fans. And after that, we saw However, their parents, Mike and Kate (singer) Jerry Vale at the Copacabana.” Formagioni and Nuchie and Jennie Lodovico, And, the past 47 years have been pretty-
good ones for the couple. They do things together and respect one another. “He just makes my life better,” Judie said. He feels the same about her. “Judie is one of the strongest, caring and religious individuals you’d want to know,” said Tony. “Strength in religion and faith got her through this illness. And, she’s very caring, she’ll do anything for anyone.” And that’s been seen by the number of family members, friends and acquaintances who have joined them in the “Turn The Town Teal” campaign in Bristol. This includes their three grownup children, who have provided them with six grandchildren. Their daughter, Jennifer Gorack, lives in Avon and helps as a volunteer for her mom’s local teal campaign. Their son, Tony “Tee” Lodovico, resides in Boynton Beach, Fla., and he is tealing that town, while their other daughter, Libby West, lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she plans to do some tealing too.
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testing for you and the women in your family. Genetic tests can sometimes show the presence of specific gene changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer. ■ Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. ■ Age over 55: Most women are over age 55 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. ■ Never pregnant: Older women
risk factors, but if they are, they are not strong risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will get ovarian cancer. Most women who have risk factors do not get ovarian cancer. On the other hand, women who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. Women who think they may be at risk of ovarian cancer should talk with their doctor.
Women should learn about risk factors
Doctors cannot always explain why one woman develops ovarian cancer and another does not. However, we do know that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for ovarian cancer: ■ Family history of cancer: Women who have a mother, daughter, or sister with ovarian
cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Also, women with a family history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, or rectum may also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. ■ If several women in a family have ovarian or breast cancer, especially at a young age, this is considered a strong family history. If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may wish to talk to a genetic counselor. The counselor may suggest genetic
Be aware of the symptons stipation, or diarrhea ■ Feeling very tired all the time Less common symptoms include: ■ Shortness of ■ Pressure or pain breath ■ Feeling the in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs need to urinate ■ A swollen or often ■ Unusual vaginal bloated abdomen ■ Nausea, indibleeding (heavy gestion, gas, con- periods, or bleedOvarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
ing after menopause) Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer, but only a doctor can tell for sure. Any woman with these symptoms should tell her doctor.
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who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. ■ Menopausal hormone therapy: Some studies have suggested that women who take estrogen by itself (estrogen without progesterone) for 10 or more years may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Scientists have also studied whether taking certain fertility drugs, using talcum powder, or being obese are risk factors. It is not clear whether these are
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6 | Sunday, September 9, 2012
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TURN THE TOWN TEAL
Eating well, staying active vital for those with ovarian cancer It’s important for women with ovarian cancer to take care of themselves. Taking care of yourself includes eating well and staying as active as you can. You need the right amount of calories to maintain a good weight. You also need enough protein to keep up your strength. Eating well may help you feel better and
have more energy. Sometimes, especially during or soon after treatment, you may not feel like eating. You may be uncomfortable or tired. You may find that foods do not taste as good as they used to. In addition, the side effects of treatment (such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores)
can make it hard to eat well. Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health care provider can suggest ways to deal with these problems. Many women find they feel better when they stay active. Walking, yoga, swimming, and other activities can keep you strong and increase your energy.
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Tony Lodovico adjusts a teal ribbon placed on Federal Hill as part of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
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TURN THE TOWN TEAL
Team Teal has many helpers
BRISTOL — The array of the tealcolored ribbons downtown, on Federal Hill and elsewhere across the city are largely the result of the diligence and hard work of Tony and Judie Lodovico. But they are the first to acknowledge that many people and businesses have stepped forward to help make it all possible. The most recent addition is the“Christmas tree” in front of Webster Bank on Main Street. The tealing of this landmark was made possible through the help of Sheila Kelly at the bank. Fire Chief Jon Pose and Vic Lagace, who owns a local tree service and provided the equipment and time to get the bows on the tree. “Not one person we approached and asked to participate has refused us,” Judie Lodovico said.“Quite honestly, many people knew nothing about ovarian cancer, so this was just the venue we needed to get the educational and awareness pieces out there.” The Tracy-Driscoll Insurance has agreed to “partner” with the Lodovicos in the campaign. Brian Dehm, agency president, did not hesitate to embrace this cause. Two other sponsors, Roger Michele and New England Bank lead by Tony Mattioli, also came on board this month. In carrying out their mission, the Lodovicos were helped by The Turn the Towns Teal Bristol 2012 committee. The group is comprised of Jennifer LodovicoMike Orazzi | Staff Gorack, Laurie Amara, Theresa Cercone, Susan Sadecki, Linda Manarino, Kerri Judie Lodovico (seated, second from the left) with Turn the Town Teal committee members while decorating Federal Hill with teal ribbons. Goodwin, Bea Cerrone, Tracy Godbout and Bob Montgomery. Several people played going. “Mary Suchopar, assistant to Mayor from the very beginning, making sure all important roles in getting the campaign Art Ward, has been on board with us paperwork and permission forms have been
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delivered to New Jersey headquarters.” said Tony Lodovico. “Carol, Dawn and Theresa from the Artificial Flower Shop on Lake Avenue have been amazing,” he said. They made all the bows and ribbons. When the Lodovicos approached Marty, Jackie and Lou Hurwitz, owners of Harvest Bakery about “tealing” some of their frosting or pastries for a few days during the campaign the bakery quickly said they would do more, agreeing to bake teal treats throughout September. Susan Sadecki from the Main Street Foundation and her assistants decked the trees and lamp posts on Main Street Others who helped last year and again this time include Dave and Mike Pasqualicchio of Nuchie’s Restaurant, with “tealing the trees in Forestville Center; Bill Englert and his staff from True Value Hardware and J.R. Rusgrove and staff, who decorated every nook and corner of Parkside Cafe. The Bristol branches of Thomaston Bank and Farmington Bank both agreed to display ribbons. The Bristol Press, 188 Main St., and the Artificial Flower Shop, 246 Lake Ave., have served as ribbon pickup spots. Several people and businesses took the opportunity to pick up bows at the newspaper office. “We’re not the least bit surprised that the people of Bristol have embraced this campaign in such an enthusiastic way,” the Lodovicos said. “This is truly an indication of our town’s community spirit and we are grateful for everyone’s support.”
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TURN THE TOWN TEAL
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