• A Letter From Chris Wall
• Ovarian Cancer Support

Ovarian Cancer Support

Rob Delmont of Skacel Collection Writes:

"In 2008/2009 Skacel held a special fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, based on an original sock design created by Rosemary 'Chappy' Chapman. Worked out of a limited-edition Zitron Trekking XXL yarn in pink, this cleverly designed "Booby Sock" pattern was sold in kits all over North America. A total of 2,500 were sold, and Skacel was able to donate their entire proceeds, $25,000, to the foundation. In addition, many shops donated a portion of their profits to various women's organizations and breast-cancer research centers on their own.

"Skacel is at it again, this time raising funds for the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. When caught in its earliest stages, survival rates for this type of cancer can be as high as 90 percent. Regrettably, early symptoms of ovarian cancer are difficult to diagnose, are often misdiagnosed, or go undetected, which leads to nearly 75 percent of all ovarian cancer patients being diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease. Thus, seven in 10 women die within five years of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the long-term, disease-free survival rate for advanced ovarian cancer is only 10 percent. This needs to change, and we at Skacel would like to be part of that change. One of the best ways we feel we can help is to make women aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, while also helping to subsidize research into finding an early-detection test for the disease.

"To help make that happen, we are very proud to introduce the 'Egg-stra' Special Sock Kit. This sock pattern was also designed by 'Chappy,' this time in honor of President Karin Skacel's sister, Susanne; currently a three-year survivor of ovarian cancer. A special teal color of Trekking XXL was dyed (teal is the official color designated to ovarian cancer) by Zitron, and every design aspect of this sock, from the cuff to the toe, is a reminder to us that ovarian cancer can be beaten if we unite in this cause. This time around, Skacel guarantees that for every kit sold, $15 will be donated to the Marsha Rivkin Center. A listening of local yarn shops that are carrying the sock kits can be found on our website. Online resources include WEBS and Jimmy Beans Wool. Both of these sources will be donating an additional $10, per kit sold, to the Marsha Rivkin Center. Kits on these sites are $25 each. (Yes, your math is correct! The entire $25 will be donated to the center!)

"Skacel introduced these kits on Monday, Aug. 16th, via our website, our blog, our Facebook page, and through the Marsha Rivkin Center. Kits include the pattern, 1 skein of the specially dyed Trekking yarn, beads, and a card from the Marsha Rivkin Center outlining the symptoms of ovarian cancer."

This time the goal is to raise $100,000 for ovarian cancer research. Skacel thanks everyone who purchases a kit, and they urge you to also take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you are moved to contribute toward this worthy cause, get those sock needles clicking! The kits are available now, and not only could you have a lovely pair of socks, you could be helping in the fight against ovarian cancer.