OCA - 10 STORIES FOR 10 YEARS

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Marking its 10th year, the Black Pepper Ovarian Cancer Campaign continues its unwavering
commitment to funding vital initiatives for Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA). Over the past
decade, the campaign has raised more than $800,000 to support specialist nurses who
stand beside patients through every step of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond.


To mark this milestone, the 2025 campaign shines a spotlight on 10 stories for 10 years.
These deeply personal accounts come from survivors, family members, psychologists,
nurses, and advocates—showcasing the strength, compassion, and resilience of the
community united in this fight.

10 STORIES FOR 10 YEARS

 


VICTORIA TURNER

63 YEARS OLD FROM BALLINA, NSW


Victoria’s ovarian cancer journey began in May 2020, at 59, with a diagnosis of stage 3C
high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Despite her nursing background, two colleagues who had passed away due to the illness and her proximity to ovarian cancer patients, the symptoms didn’t trigger alarm bells. Major surgery and seven months of chemotherapy followed, supported by her family, colleagues, and Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Now 63 and in remission, Victoria channels her experience into raising awareness, educating others through OCA and ANZGOG’s “Survivors Teaching Students” program, and advocating for better support for those affected.

 


MARY DOUMANY

63 YEARS OLD FROM BALLARAT, VIC


Acclaimed Australian harpist and composer, Mary has performed globally and contributed to films like Shine and The Truman Show. Her life changed with a diagnosis of low-grade serous carcinoma after seeking help for persistent bloating.

Losing her singing voice to treatment, Mary embraced self-acceptance, finding healing through music and art with support from friends and the Melbourne music community. She now performs, teaches, and inspires, with her project Alice in Freefall reflecting her journey of resilience and self-discovery.

 


JO YATES

45 YEARS OLD FROM CHERMSIDE, QLD


In 2021, 45-year-old Jo attended her routine cervical screening, which revealed an abnormality. While cervical screening is vital for detecting changes that could lead to cervical cancer, it does not detect ovarian cancer. Further tests revealed concerning masses on Jo’s ovaries and elevated protein levels, pointing to a possible ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Jo underwent surgery, including a full hysterectomy, which triggered early menopause. Though her biopsy initially showed the tumours were non-cancerous, cancerous cells were later found in her omentum, leading to chemotherapy. The physical toll was immense, but Jo struggled most with the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

 


CHRISTINE CRUPI

43 YEARS OLD FROM MELBOURNE, VIC


Christine’s ovarian cancer journey began in July 2022, just months after her promotion to Principal Lawyer at Grindal Legal. Mistaking her symptoms for a UTI, further testing revealed ovarian cancer, upending her life.

After a hysterectomy and chemotherapy, Christine found support through Ovarian Cancer Australia and her Teal Support Nurse, Rosetta. Now an advocate, she raises awareness and pushes for better education, support, and treatment, driven by her experience and hope for a brighter future for women facing ovarian cancer.

 

 

DEBBIE

CEO OF OVARIAN CANCER
AUSTRALIA

Debbie has over 20 years of experience in the NFP sector, with leadership roles at Austin Health, Monash Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, and Interplast. She views her new role at Ovarian Cancer Australia as a calling, committed to supporting the team and contributing to the organisation’s legacy.

 

 

GEORGIE

ADVOCACY & SUPPORT NURSE

Georgie holds a dual role at Ovarian Cancer Australia, utilising her nursing expertise to deliver specialised support as well as work in OCA’s advocacy team. Georgie supports women and their families through the OCA Helpline and advocates for improved research funding, policy change, and access to treatments, aiming for better outcomes for all affected by ovarian cancer.

 

ROSETTA

OVARIAN CANCER NURSE
CONSULTANT

Rosetta is a cancer nurse with over 30 years of experience, including six years at Ovarian Cancer Australia. As a Teal Support Nurse, she provides telehealth support to women across Australia, offering information, emotional support, and practical advice. Motivated by positive feedback from the women she helps, Rosetta makes 8-10 calls daily and coordinates volunteer activities. Her advice: ”Ask and accept help, don’t focus on statistics, never give up HOPE.”

BARBARA

MOTHER OF OVARIAN CANCER
SURVIVOR VICTORIA

Victoria’s mother Barbara has been an incredible support for Victoria during her cancer journey and is herself an ovarian cancer survivor. A Black Pepper customer, Barbara was thrilled to join her daughter on set to shoot the Black Pepper x OCA campaign.

 

 

 

JACQUIE

BLACK PEPPER STORE MANAGER
WARWICK

Black Pepper store manager Jacquie has embraced the Black Pepper x OCA campaign hosting stylings sessions and afternoon teas to raise awareness and funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Jacquie recalls a customer telling her the campaign encouraged her to go to her doctor to get her symptoms checked out, which led to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Jacquie has particular empathy for the campaign after her own recent health scare when large cysts on her ovaries were thought to be cancerous. After a nervous wait, Jacquie was relieved that further tests revealed they were benign.

 

 

 

 

 

STAV

SUPPORT PERSON TO OVARIAN
CANCER SURVIVOR, CHRISTINE

The friends who stand by you through life’s toughest moments are the ones you keep. For Christine, that friend has been Stav. From their first meeting at Year 7 Orientation to now living just down the street from each other with their families, Stav has been constant source of support, especially when Christine lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just 19 years old.

Stav vividly remembers the day she got the call about Christine’s diagnosis. It was overwhelming, but she stepped up in every way she could. Since then, she’s been there for Christine, offering practical help—picking up the kids from school, planning group dinners on her good days, and celebrating every small victory along the way.

 

HELP US SUPPORT OCA

Along with fundraising events in all Black Pepper stores throughout February, Black Pepper will donate $10 from the very special and uniquely designed OCA scarves and tops to assist in the essential work undertaken by Ovarian Cancer Australia.

 

 

 

Make A Donation or Shop OCA Product

WATCH THE INPIRING STORIES