Frocking On for Tammy, this Frocktober
“For us, Frocktober isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a way to keep Tammy’s legacy alive, surrounded by the people who loved her, and working toward the day when we can say that ovarian cancer no longer takes lives too soon. We hope she would be proud of us continuing her fight.”
How Tammy’s family are carrying on her legacy every year during Frocktober.
Tammy was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian Cancer in June 2017 and sadly passed away four and a half years later, at just 44 years old. Leaving behind a loving husband, 14-year-old son, family and friends who miss her deeply, Tammy deserved many more years with the people she loved.
“We miss her so much. I lost my only sister and my best friend”, her sister, Kristen tells us.
Even in her final days, Tammy’s focus remained on helping others. She believed deeply in the power of research and urged friends and family to donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).
“Her hope was that more research could improve treatments and help develop an early detection test so that no woman would have to go through what she had gone through.”
Today, Kristen and her mother Diana, carry on Tammy’s legacy by sharing her story and organising an annual Frocktober event ‘Frock you cancer, Freo Tammy Style’ to raise awareness and funds for life-saving ovarian cancer research.
Difficulty making an ovarian cancer diagnosis
Tammy first developed symptoms in January 2017 and presented to her doctor with bloating, abdominal pain, tiredness and changes in her periods. She was told that there was nothing to be concerned with; her doctor attributing the symptoms to her history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Five months later, she presented again to her doctor with worsening symptoms and was sent for an ultrasound, initially suspecting a recurrence of a cyst due to her PCOS.
It was only during surgery to remove the suspected cyst that the surgeon realised it could be ovarian cancer. A biopsy confirmed it.
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague or non-specific in the early stages, as Tammy’s were. Making a definitive diagnosis for ovarian cancer currently requires invasive surgery and biopsy – a pap smear or cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer.
Vague early signs and symptoms is one of the key reasons as to why ovarian cancer is mostly diagnosed in the advanced stages 3 and 4, where five-year survival rates sit around 29%. Experts believe that with a successful, accessible and accurate early detection test, survival rates could rise to above 90%, giving more women a brighter, healthier future with their families.
Treating Tammy’s ovarian cancer
“Tammy was so overwhelmed. It was a difficult time for her. She just wanted to get on with surgery and treatment and get rid of the cancer and move on with her life.” Kristen says.
Like many other ovarian cancer patients, Tammy underwent a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy, initially responding well to treatment.
“By the end of 2017, her scans were clear, and we dared to hope the cancer wouldn’t return. But the anxiety never left—every blood test, every scan brought fear. A year later, our worst nightmare came true. Tammy’s cancer had returned, and she underwent more surgery and chemotherapy.”
On October 22, 2021, Tammy passed away with her husband, son and sister by her side.
Despite its complex nature, treatments for ovarian cancer have barely improved in decades, and many ovarian cancer patients discover that even if their treatment succeeds in getting rid of their cancer, there is an approximate 80% chance that it will return more aggressively, becoming resistant to treatment.
A frocked-up farewell
In Tammy’s final days, she made a list of things she wanted to do, and one of them was to throw a party and raise funds for ovarian cancer research. The OCRF’s Frocktober was the perfect fit.
“Tammy always loved a frock, so we decided to host a Frocktober party at Mum’s house. It was a beautiful distraction — talking about the guest list, planning the playlist, deciding on our frocks and the "frocktails" we'd serve. Tammy was determined to make it to that party, even though by then, her health had deteriorated. She was in the hospital the week of the event, but nothing was going to stop her. With all her strength, she frocked up one last time.
“It was an afternoon filled with frocks, love, laughter, tears and music. Tammy even gave a heartfelt speech, urging us to talk to the women in our lives, speak up when something feels wrong, and keep raising funds for ovarian cancer research.
We raised $30,000 that year — and two weeks later, Tammy passed away. That party was the last time she left the hospital.
We continue to have a Frocktober Afternoon Tea in memory of her each year and continue her legacy.”
Keeping Tammy’s spirit kept alive through Frocktober
What began as an intimate gathering, has grown to 250 guests each year, and with the help of donations, raffles, silent auctions, and second-hand frock sales, Tammy’s family have raised over $100,000 to date!
“My favourite part of our Frocktober event is seeing how much love and support still surrounds Tammy’s memory. It's more than just a fundraiser — it’s a way to keep her spirit alive. The men closest to Tammy, including her husband, son, and dad, serve food and drinks and sell raffle tickets. Every year, we invite a guest speaker to talk about ovarian cancer, furthering Tammy's mission to raise awareness.”
Top tips for your Frocktober event
Kristen and Diana share their top 4 tips for your Frocktober event:
- Start small and build on your event/ideas each year
- Get your family and friends involved to help you out
- Social media is a great way to get your message out
- We have a pre-loved frock sale at our event is always a hit!
Frock for the Future
This Frocktober, Kristen and Diana will be frocking up once again — for Tammy, for every woman who’s been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and for a future where we can stop this disease in its tracks.
“For us, Frocktober isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a way to keep Tammy’s legacy alive, surrounded by the people who loved her, and working toward the day when we can say that ovarian cancer no longer takes lives too soon. We hope she would be proud of us continuing her fight.”
If you'd like to support the Frocktober movement and join us in raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research one frock at a time, register now.