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Lisa’s Story: Handmade Frocks full of heart
For Lisa Crocker, Frocktober is the perfect intersection of creativity, expression, and meaning. A lifelong maker who learnt to sew from her mum at an early age, Lisa has turned her love of handmade fashion into a powerful statement for ovarian cancer research.
After losing her mum, her teacher, her best friend, and her inspiration, to ovarian cancer in 2019, Lisa’s connection to Frocktober became deeply personal.
“Frocktober is about expression, creativity, fun, and most importantly, raising awareness for a cause that means the world to me,” Lisa says.
How Lisa frocks up
In 2023, Lisa set herself a challenge: to wear a different handmade frock every single day in October. “I wasn’t sure I even had 31 dresses,” she laughs. “But it turns out I did, and this year, I’ve made another 31 just for Frocktober.”
Each dress represents not only her talent, but also her story, sparking conversations, and reminding people why awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research is so important.
For Lisa, those conversations matter. Ovarian cancer is still one of the most underfunded areas of women’s health, and the lack of an early detection test means too many women are diagnosed too late. “Awareness is key, whether it’s women talking with each other, with their doctors, or within families,” she says. “Frocktober is a fantastic way to start those conversations.”
Every stitch, every dress, and every post Lisa shares is also a tribute to her mum. “She was my mum, but also my best friend,” Lisa reflects. “I want to honour her by supporting research that will change outcomes for other women and their families.”
How you can get involved
As a proud Frocktober ambassador in 2025, Lisa continues to show that getting involved can be as bold or as simple as you want it to be, whether you host a morning tea, join a frock swap, run in a frock, or wear your favourite outfit with pride.
“There are so many ways to frock up,” Lisa says. “It’s fun, it’s empowering, and it makes a real difference. Together, let’s frock ovarian cancer.”