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Sam’s story: Frocking up for women’s health
For many people who take part in Frocktober, the motivation comes from a deeply personal connection to ovarian cancer. But for Sam Pidgeon, a proud member of the Frocktober Hall of Fame (more than 10 years Frocking Up), her reason for frocking up is simple: women’s health matters to everyone.
Over the past 14 years, Sam has raised more than $175,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). While she doesn’t have a personal connection to ovarian cancer, her commitment to the cause is unwavering. “I don’t have a direct connection myself,” Sam explains. “But I have ovaries, I know people with ovaries, and that’s reason enough to get involved. This is something that matters to all of us.”
For Sam, Frocktober is as much about joy as it is about purpose. “For me, it’s about having a lot of fun for a very good cause,” she says. “It’s about bringing the colour, the energy, and the laughter, while knowing that every dollar raised goes directly to life-saving research.”
How Sam frocks up
Each year, Sam throws herself into the campaign with creativity and flair. This October, she’s once again committing to 31 outfits in 31 days – one of the many ways to Frock. “It’s impossible for people not to notice,” she laughs. “And when they ask, it opens the door to talk about ovarian cancer research and why it matters.”
But it’s not just her frocks that spark conversation. Sam has built an entire community around her fundraising efforts. From her annual backyard garden party—complete with raffle prizes, a feature cocktail, and plenty of fabulous frocks—to her much-loved dress swap event, Sam has found fun and inclusive ways to bring people together. “The dress swap is one of my favourites,” she says. “People bring clothes, find something new, and donate to the OCRF. It’s a win–win: sustainable fashion and vital funds for research.”
Sam’s top tips
For those considering getting involved in Frocktober for the first time, Sam has simple advice: just go for it. “Have fun with it. Show off your outfits, talk about why you’re doing it. People respond so positively when they know it’s for ovarian cancer research, and it creates a real sense of community.”
And while she loves the fashion and fun, Sam never loses sight of the bigger picture. Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal reproductive cancer, with survival rates still under 50%. With no early detection test and limited treatment options, the need for research is urgent. “Raising awareness and funds is critical,” Sam says. “The research happening right now is so exciting, but those projects can’t continue without funding. We need to make sure researchers have what they need to deliver early detection tests, better treatments, and better outcomes.”
The bigger picture
Sam represents a large and vital group of Frockers: those who may not have a direct connection, but who frock up because they believe in the power of research, advocacy, and community. “When I frock up, I think about people living with ovarian cancer, those we’ve lost too soon, and the researchers dedicating their lives to changing the future,” she reflects.
This October, Sam will once again frock her way through the month with style, energy, and determination, proving that you don’t need a personal connection to make a powerful impact. “There are so many ways you can get involved,” she says. “Together, we can frock ovarian cancer.”
So many ways to Frock Up!
Sam participates in Frocktober via the original method of choosing a new Frock for every day of Frocktober. In 2025, we have more ways than ever to get involved and show your support. From limited edition funky merchandise, frocking workplaces, to One off Frock challenge, there is NO excuse to get your neighbour, nan, partner or boss to join this incredible movement as we say ‘Frock Ovarian Cancer’.