HOUSTON, TEXAS, Sept. 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Susan Poorman Blackie Ovarian Cancer Foundation (SPB) collaborated with Manoosh, a textile brand showcasing local artists' work on lightweight, luxurious scarves, to create the "Susan Scarf" in an effort to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and fund innovative research. Ovarian cancer is the 10th most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
The teal scarf - representing the national ovarian cancer color - features a painting by internationally-acclaimed abstract artist, Marilyn Biles, and was created in honor of SPB's namesake and founder, who passed away in summer 2014 after bravely battling the disease. The scarf is especially meaningful because after Susan lost her hair during chemotherapy, she wore colorful, artfully designed scarves, which became a source of beauty and strength through the rigors of cancer treatment.
"We are excited to partner with Manoosh to create the scarf in recognition of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to honor and benefit those who are affected by ovarian cancer," said Buck Dodson, President & Executive Director of SPB. "My mother was inspired and determined to spend her final years raising awareness of the disease and funds to find a screening test, and we hope the Susan Scarf will help do this."
According to The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, ovarian cancer research is drastically under-funded from a survival perspective. Survival rates for ovarian cancer have barely increased since the 1970's. Early detection of the disease means over 90 percent of women will survive longer than five years. All proceeds from the sale of the Susan Scarf, which retails for $130, support ovarian cancer awareness and research through SPB. It will be sold online now until September 2016 at this link: http://frommanoosh.com/products/the-susan-scarf
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the continuation of this wearable art movement and, most importantly, to raise the much-needed awareness of ovarian cancer with the 'Susan Scarf'," said Manoosh CEO and Co-Founder, Anna Wilson.
Founded in 2013, SPB's mission is to empower women with the knowledge of ovarian cancer and its symptoms while promoting and funding innovative research for early detection and treatment. The Houston-based organization has partnerships with Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Pathology and Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Moon Shots program and The Clearity Foundation in San Diego. The organization is guided by the principles: empower, knowledge, research. For more information, visit www.spbovariancancerfoundation.org, email info@spbovariancancerfoundation.org or call 800.428.4682.
Manoosh was founded by three generations of women who saw a need for a simple, creative company that improves the accessibility and exposure for local artists by bringing art out of the galleries and into your hands. The scarves, available in various fabric blends in both rich, vibrant colors and more subdued, neutral tones, illustrate a range of artistic styles including abstract and impressionist. The line is available online at www.FromManoosh.com. For more information, email info@frommanoosh.com.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=36566
