Volunteers Turn Doylestown Teal To Raise Ovarian Cancer Awareness

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Doylestown has again taken on the color of ovarian cancer awareness for September thanks to a band of volunteers who spent Saturday turning the town teal.

Hundreds of teal ribbons now adorn lampposts and trees to make women aware of ovarian cancer, its often subtle symptoms, and the risk factors involved.

Moments before the volunteers decorated the town with ribbons, former Doylestown Borough Councilwoman Joan Doyle, who has coordinated the event for the past 18 years, spoke about the ovarian cancer warriors who are symbols of survival against a disease that has claimed so many lives.

“You can tell I’m passionate about this,” said Doyle, who is spurred on by the memory of her older sister, Anita Stein, who died from the disease after an almost six-year battle. “This is all about directing attention to learning symptoms and risk factors for ovarian cancer and catching this disease early to give people a fighting chance.”

Doyle was joined by her niece, Dr. Debra Stein, who spoke about her mom, Anita Stein, and about being part of a legacy family. Her mother was diagnosed in July 2003 at the age of 65 after experiencing weight gain and abdominal bloating. She had surgery followed by chemotherapy, which put her in remission. She lived five additional years “on her terms” before passing away.

Following her death, Debra took an active role with the National Ovarian Cancer Center, raising funds for ovarian cancer research. “Initially, it was fundraising for the annual walk in September. In 2019, I was asked to join the organizing committee to help make the walk happen,” she said.

This year's Doylestown Turn the Towns Teal team. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Joann McHugh continues to battle the disease. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Rep. Tim Brennan with Turn the Towns Teal President Jane MacNeil and former Doylestown Councilman Don Berk. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

One of the volunteer groups that decorated the town with teal ribbons on Saturday. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

From there, her involvement expanded to other ovarian cancer initiatives and awareness campaigns, all to honor her mom and to continue her legacy.

The gathering also heard from Jane MacNeil, the national president of Turn the Towns Teal Foundation, who spoke about the “power of the ribbon.

“In my hometown, there was a young woman jogging through town. She saw the teal ribbons and said to herself, ‘I haven’t been feeling right and my grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer.’ She went to her doctor who blew her off. But she persisted. And she went to the head of gynecology and she was in surgery the following week. That ribbon saved her life. That is the power of the ribbon, and that is the power each one of you is sharing by tying ribbons throughout your beautiful town of Doylestown.”

State Rep. Tim Brennan and Doylestown Borough Councilwoman Amy Popkin also delivered greetings to the volunteers and commended them for their work in raising awareness.

“This has been such a wonderful tradition. Joan has done this as a labor of love for almost two decades. It’s incredible,” said Brennan. “What you’re doing here today is important. That little reminder on the street is something that can save lives. This is the kind of event that makes this little borough exceptional.”

From left: Joan Doyle, Doylestown Borough Councilwoman Amy Popkin and State Rep. Tim Brennan. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Rep. Tim Brennan with former Doylestown Borough Councilman Don Berk. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Popkin added, “While I have not lost an immediate loved one to ovarian cancer, I know the reality of cancer all too well. We lost our beautiful 17-year-old daughter Maggie to brain cancer. Because of Maggie, I know what it feels like to face a devastating diagnosis. I know the weight that it carries to a family, and that is why I am standing with you today. Cancers may look different, but the fight for early detection, awareness, and community support is universal. Because ovarian cancer has no early detection test, public awareness is so important."

She continued, "Every single teal ribbon along the street is not just a decoration but a powerful lifeline for all of us. As you go out, remember that just one ribbon can cause someone passing by to look up the symptoms and call their doctor and save their life. You are actively protecting our community.”

Before heading out to teal the commercial core of Doylestown, Doyle recognized the Ovarian Cancer Warriors who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have either survived or are still battling the disease. She also remembered those who have died from the disease.

“This is such an important crusade,” said MacNeil. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years. And for the past five to seven years I’ve been seeing more and more younger women in their 30s and 40s being diagnosed. I’m seeing girls in their 20s. One has to know the symptoms, and you are helping to spread the word,” she told the volunteers.

Last year, MacNeil said more than 650 towns from Maine to Oregon participated in the awareness campaign, “meaning that thousands and thousands of people like you are tealing throughout the USA. And what a message to spread.”

Doyle said Saturday's ovarian cancer awareness event was very gratifying on many levels.

"We had an excellent turnout of volunteers, including Doylestown Rotary members who can be counted on to volunteer each year,” said Doyle.

She added, “Rotary has been an invaluable partner with Turn The Towns Teal by financing the annual purchase of the materials for the event. Rotary also sends a team of volunteers. We are very grateful for their commitment and support."

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
• Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upset such as gas, nausea and indigestion
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Frequent and/or urgency of urination in the absence of infection
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Ongoing unusual fatigue
• Menstrual changes
• Pain during intimacy/discomfort