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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