The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) has returned with its highly anticipated month-long fundraiser, Frocktober, to raise money for vital research into Australia’s deadliest gynaecological cancer.
Since its establishment in 2007, Frocktober has raised more than $6 million to support vital research to improve outcomes for ovarian cancer, which takes the life of one Australian woman every eight hours.
There is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer, meaning most diagnoses are made in the advanced stages where survival rates languish at just 29 per cent and treatment options have barely improved in decades. Despite being a notoriously deadly disease, ovarian cancer research is critically underfunded compared to other cancers.
Frocktober raises money for the cause by encouraging Australians to “frock ovarian cancer” through fun, fashionable and fabulous community fundraising activities and social media challenges.
“At its core, Frocktober is a community-led fundraiser that sparks conversations amongst friends, families and colleagues about the harsh realities of ovarian cancer,” said OCRF CEO Robin Penty.
“Each year we are blown away by the spirit and generosity of people across the country who frock up and turn the everyday act of choosing an outfit into a powerful statement. We encourage anyone who wants to put their most stylish foot forward this month to rally their community to support ovarian cancer research.”
Last year’s ‘Frockers’ raised over $1.1 million dollars, and Penty says OCRF is determined to build on this figure in 2024.
The initiative was first established by a group of women from Geelong, who decided to pull out their best frocks to support their own friend battling ovarian cancer. Since then, Frocktober has only grown. It’s now a national fundraiser with support from people all around Australia.
From frocktail parties, to frocking up for a long lunch with friends, OCRF says there’s countless ways for people to get involved as the campaign celebrates inclusivity and creativity.
Some ways that people have participated include donning 31 frocks in 31 days or simply purchasing some merchandise. Others are able to take on the new ‘One Off Frock Challenge’, where people wear a frock for just one day and then make a donation or nominate friends and family to do the same.
Primary school teacher and mother-of-three, Glenda Hill-Baulch is an ovarian cancer survivor who participates in Frocktober as an ambassador. Diagnosed in 2017, Glenda says she’s passionate about sharing her story to raise awareness and inspire hope.
“As a Frocktober ambassador, I am advocating for brighter realities and better futures for the thousands of women across Australia affected by this awful disease,” said Glenda.
It is crucial that we find an early detection test, educate people about the symptoms to watch out for, get better treatments and empower women to trust their instincts, listen to their bodies, and speak up when they know something isn’t right.”
This year, Glenda is joined by other inspiring OCRF ambassadors like Amelia Higgs and leading Australian fashion designer and stylist, Lana Wilkinson.
Behind the camera was fashion and street-style photographer extraordinaire, Dan Castano, with talent styled by celebrity stylist Paul Versace.