By Mark Reynolds
Katerina Calderone decided to start bringing awareness to ovarian and gynecological cancers 7 years ago when she was a student in the Marlboro School System. Now as a student at Mount Saint Mary College, she is still making people aware of these important issues.
“I have been trying to add more places as the years have gone by. This year I’m up to 48, and I try to add a few more each year and now there are about 20 more than when I started,” she said.
Katerina’s maternal grandmother Janet Felicello had ovarian cancer that has been in remission for 23 years. Her paternal grandmother Concetta Calderone [1945-2024] had gynecological cancer but passed due to another cause
Katerina covers Marlboro and Milton and has added a few at her college campus.
“Next year I have been thinking about expanding to another town as well,” she said.
Katerina had them up for September but will leave them in place until mid-October.
Katerina noted that for Ovarian Cancer there is now routine screening but early detection is critical. It is called the silent killer because many symptoms tend to go unnoticed and then it is too late to get help.
Katerina also states that someone is diagnosed with gynecological cancer every six minutes. There are five different types of cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Again. she stressed that early detection is key, especially as one gets older.
Some symptoms to be aware of: bloating, pelvic pain. abnormal bleeding, gastrointestinal issues, pressure in pelvic area, feeling full quickly and loss of appetite.
Katerina gives special thanks to her parents, Christine Felicello and Fabio Calderone for their help hanging ribbons and bows and helping with the cost and sister Angelina for helping put bows together.
Katerina is also supported by Uptown Cutters, Family Affair, Town of Marlborough Municipal Buildings, Marlo’s Pizzeria, Hazel Rose Baking Company, The Shoppes at River and Rooted, Brix Gastropub, Marlboro Central School District, Mazzola Oil Service, Marlboro Fire Department, and approximately 40 other businesses.
Katerina suggests individuals and local businesses may make a donation for gynecological cancer to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer and for ovarian cancer to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Both are national based organizations and can be found on the internet.