I’m sharing a video link up with Kath Mazzella (OAM) about her journey with being a gynaecological cancer survivor and her passion for now helping women with better understanding of gynaecological, sexual and mental health conditions.
Kath Mazzella OAM is a Gynaecological cancer survivor. Kath is now so passionate about creating change in relation to the level of awareness of Gynaecological, Sexual and related Mental Health challenges and to break down the barriers and stigmas associated.
After her gynaecological cancer surgery Kath discovered how little women knew and talked about conditions “down there”, and how many women were suffering in silence. This empowered Kath to go on a journey … a journey that her partner Tony had no choice initially but to go on with her. Now he has stepped up to stand beside her and promote this very worthwhile and necessary message, extending it beyond just the women, but also to the men that surround their worlds. After all, when one woman suffers, all those in her world suffer with her.
Kath and Tony together are powerful advocates for women challenged by gynaecological, sexual and related mental health conditions, personally inspiring women (and a few men also), arguing for institutional and social change that delivers better awareness, prevention, treatment and support.
Kath and Tony are inspirational public speakers and Kath is the founder of the International Gynaecological Awareness Day.
Most recently, Kath was awarded the Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Gynaecological Cancers Award, which she handed to Tony upon acceptance, stating that he deserved the award for his patience in supporting her through all the years of her campaigning.
In 2012, Kath received the prestigious WA Senior of the Year Award and the Beyond Blue category award, finally having the link between Mental Health and Gynaecological and Sexual health recognised.
In 2009 Kath was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service of the community through raising the profile of Gynaecological health; was inducted into the 100 Women WA Hall of Fame and also was an inductee to the Hall of Fame – Our Bodies Ourselves Women’s Health Heroes, Boston, US. Kath was shortlisted for the Centre for Women in Leadership Award; and Most Inspiring Woman of the Year – Momentum Women’s Forum. Kath was also presented with the Zonta International “Woman of Achievement Award” for Western Australia and received an Executive Women’s Forum Woman of the Year award, both in 2005.
Have a listen to our video link up and don’t forget to get behind the gynaecological awareness day on September 10.