September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. We are NZ's ovarian cancer charity. This is our largest fundraiser of the year. Please step up and help us make a difference for women living with this cancer.

Every week six wahine are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It's a challenge that can feel like climbing Mt Everest. A lack of awareness means that most women will be diagnosed when their cancer is advanced. For 1 in 3, the first time they hear the words ovarian cancer will be siting in the doctor's chair. The surgery that follows is often huge, with a difficult recovery. And decades of under investment in research unfortunately means that treatment is often not curative.

Forty years ago prostate cancer and ovarian cancer survival was similar. Thanks to significant public support, advocacy and government funding - the survival rate is now more than double ovarian cancer. With your help we can do the same for ovarian cancer. Which is why we are asking you to Step Up in September to show the women and families affected by ovarian cancer, that they're not alone.

We have the ambitious goal of trying to raise $87,500 in total, which equates to $300 for each wahine diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. For many cancers this is a drop in the bucket. But for ovarian cancer, it's a lifeline.

This would be enough to send symptoms posters and medical education to every GP practice in the country, support our advocacy efforts and fund a small research grant.

We know that this may seem like a big target, but ovarian cancer is the least survivable women's cancer and kills more females than our road toll. Every little bit helps.

Please show your support by donating to this page, or to one of the incredible kiwis fundraising for ovarian cancer, or joining our Step Up Challenge (see our website link below).

"Your support means the world to women living with ovarian cancer like me. This disease is so hard, but to know NZ has our back truely lifts the load. Ngā mihi nui New Zealand" - Jane Ludemann, Founder, diagnosed age 32

Funds raised will support Cure Our Ovarian Cancer NZ, a registered NZ charity, to fund awareness, advocacy and research - to give women better, longer lives.