1 September 2021 – Today, WomenCan has launched a new campaign, Honour Her to honour the stories, strength and resilience of women affected by gynaecological cancer. During September this campaign will bring together renowned and leading artists to create works inspired by and in support of these women, and to raise funds for pioneering research and clinical trials.
Launching 17th September for 10 days, the Honour Her online auction will feature exclusive works by well-known artists with 50% of the proceeds directly funding pioneering gynaecological cancer research through not-for-profit WomenCan and 50% supporting the artist for their contribution.
The list of over 30 artists includes some of the nation’s most exciting in-demand artists, Archibald and art prize finalists including Kathrin Longhurst, Loribelle Spirovski, Kirsty Neilson, Tessa Mackay, Maggi McDonald, Katie McKinnon, Belinda Street, Kirsten Jackson and Dina Broadhurst.
“18 Australian women will be told they have a gynaecological cancer every day and survival rates are much lower than other cancers – but we know that with innovative research, life-saving discoveries become possible,” explains Karen Livingstone AM, WomenCan’s Head of Fundraising and Development.
Honour Her is also an opportunity for some of the artists to honour loved ones including award-winning Sydney artist Pamela Honeyfield who is honouring her mother’s best friend who passed away from ovarian cancer and established Melbourne-based artist Jason Roberts’ who is honouring his aunt who passed away from cervical cancer.
“Gynaecological cancers are the third most common cancers in women, but due to vague symptoms they can be difficult to diagnose and currently only one of them (cervical cancer) has a vaccine and screening test.” Says Associate Professor Philip Beale, Medical Oncologist and ANZGOG Chair. “More funding is urgently needed to develop treatments that will help women affected by all gynaecological cancers to live better, longer lives.”
Alongside the online auction, the Honour Her virtual gallery will run from 1st - 30th September featuring one-of-a-kind collectible works from established, community and emerging artists available for a set price of just $150, with all proceeds funding state-of-the-art research into the causes, prevention and treatments of all gynaecological cancers.
Karen Livingstone AM states “We urgently need additional funding for gynaecological cancer research, but this campaign goes far beyond simple fund-raising – it is also an initiative to open and continue conversations about these cancers and create a better understanding of women’s experiences.”
“Honour Her hopes to highlight the courage and determination of women living with gynaecological cancers, and the hope and innovation offered by ongoing, cutting-edge research and clinical trials,” explains Associate Professor Philip Beale .
To purchase a powerful artwork that will make a real difference to the lives of 18,000 women living with gynaecological cancer, visit www.honourher.org.au.
Honour Her is an initiative of WomenCan, a not-for-profit fundraising for vital pioneering research conducted by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG).
