So something crazy happened to me today… I skyped with Kelly Ripa! (If you’re my Facebook friend, you’ll note that my status update says the exact same thing – but I just like saying it, it makes me feel cool). It was so fun, and she’s just as friendly and approachable as she seems on TV. She also has a very important message she wants to share with all of our readers.
Kelly Ripa and Electrolux appliances have teamed up to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), whose mission it is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer. They’re going back to basics in terms of raising money and encouraging everyone to have a lemonade stand… but with an up-to-date twist – it’s all online. For every virtual lemonade stand created here, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF, and after you create your stand, you can raise even more money by selling your own virtual glasses of lemonade. Oh – and you’ll also be entered to win an amazing French Door Refrigerator from Electrolux! 
This is a hugely important cause, and not one we often hear about. But believe it or not, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. It’s often called the “silent killer” because they symptoms are often vague and by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s often in an advanced stage. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer, but there are tests that can detect it when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms. The most effective way women can protect themselves against ovarian cancer is to learn the signs and symptoms – the OCRF website is a wealth of information, and I encourage you all to go there and learn more.
I would have been happy to Skype with Kelly Ripa and spread the word about any important cause, but this one hits particularly close to home. My mom died of ovarian cancer at 36. And people? That shouldn’t happen to anyone.
So please, go to ElectroluxAppliances.com and open your own virtual lemonade stand. It’s easy and fun, and they have all the tools you need to share your stand and the message of ovarian cancer awareness with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, or email. Click here to see the stand I made (you can even buy a glass if you want!).
Remember when I said I Skyped with Kelly Ripa? Here’s the video. Please take a minute to hear Kelly’s important message about her involvement with OCRF
Is that cool or what? A huge thanks to Kelly Ripa and Electrolux appliances for speaking with me and supporting such an important cause, and to Maria Bailey and BSM Media for thinking of Mommin’ It Up.
Great post – very cool. Heading over as soon as I finish typing.
Emily, that’s so cool that you got to Skype with Kelly.
I’m so glad you’re speaking out about this and letting people know about the lemonade stands! I opened one yesterday and I’ll definitely go buy some lemonade from y’all!
<3 and thank you for sharing.
Emily, thank you so much for sharing!
Going for lemonade. 🙂
Em, great chat. Thanks for sharing and making us want to know our ovaries better 🙂
This is so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for so much for writing this post.I’m 36 an had surgery to remove ovarian cysts a week ago today.Knowing more about what symptoms to look for and talking about it together as women is so important.
Emily, you ARE a rock star! 🙂 That’s so cool.
Spreading the word and getting women to the doctor is the first step. Hopefully there will be a huge turn-out for the virtual lemonade stand.
I love, love, love Kelly Ripa! Just thought I’d share.
Thanks for spreading the word about early detection. One of my college friends was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She’s currently doing chemo. Go Marye!
Also, how cool is it that you got to Skype with Kelly Ripa? Love her.
p.s. I had no idea you had lost your mom. 🙁
Em,
That is soooo awesome that you were able to do that…I will see if I am computer lit enough to open a stand, if not you will be hearing from me!! Your Mom is sooo proud of you for spreading the word to get people more informed and involved! Great job! Much love!
Did you say you skyped with Kelly Ripa? I can’t believe you skyped with Kelly Ripa! Very cool — good job!
Em
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, honey 🙁 *huge hugs* You’re absolutely right, that should NOT happen to anybody. I hope with Kelly and Electrolux’s help, the OCRF will find a cure.
Great video honey 🙂 Wasn’t she awesome?? I’m still geekin’ out about it!b
Em, you looked great and Kelly is doing a good thing by promoting this cause through social media.
Forever sorry about your mom.
Very awesome! What a great cause! I am so sorry about your mom!
Great post! I am sorry to hear that it this is so close to your heart; I know how silent this cancer is – thanks for helping to spread the word.
Thanks for this post! I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise! I went and opened my stand. Thanks for sharing a personal story about something so close you and your family.
Emily, just wanted to say thanks for your work on this.
I remember back when you and your sister were little girls… when your mom was battling cancer and then after she died. My heart truly ached for you both. I still think back on those days and wish I could have done something… anything… to help. I was only a teenager at the time, but just wanted to scoop you both up and hug you. (I wish I had… though you probably would have thought I was that strange girl from church who barely knew you but hugged you anyway.) You have both grown up to be such sweet girls; your dad should be very proud! I know for sure that your mom is smiling down on you. [HUGS]
Hi Emily,
Connie Shaffer shared info about your interview with Kelly R – I am on my way to open a stand-Loved the photo with you, Anna & Kathy! Seems like just yesterday-
Love Ya!
Mel