Researchers frock up for Frocktober

For the month of ‘frocktober’ ovarian cancer researchers, Dr Maree Bilandzic and Dr Amy Wilson swapped their white lab coats for colourful frocks as part of the Frocktober campaign to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research.

Organised by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Frocktober is a campaign aimed at raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research. Frocktober is about empowering women around Australia to channel their creative flair by wearing their favourite frocks throughout October.

Ovarian cancer kills one woman every eight hours in Australia and each year about 1500 new cases are diagnosed in Australia. Dr Bilandzic and Dr Wilson from Hudson Institute of Medical Research joined the fundraiser to raise awareness about the vague symptoms of ovarian cancer which many women are not aware of. Funds raised will go towards finding an early detection test and offering personalised treatments.

Building awareness- SmoothFM frocktober frocktail party

As part of their Frocktober activity, Dr Bilandzic and Dr Wilson attended the Frocktober Frocktail fundraiser at the Stables at Como – Grand Ballroom. Organised by SmoothFM’s breakfast radio hosts, Mike & Jen this event was attended by celebrities, fundraisers and ovarian cancer patients.

Dr Bilandzic spoke to the crowd about her research at Hudson Institute and shared why for her as a researcher she was incredibly proud to be involved in Frocktober, “alongside ‘frockers’ who stand united for change,” she said.

Empowering women to frock up, raise funds and ‘Frock cancer’

“The #Frocktober campaign does more than just raise funds for the OCRF it provides a voice to so many women who have fought so hard against the disease; it gives a voice to those women currently battling the disease support and a sense of solidarity during a hard period,” said Dr Bilandzic.