YVONNE Moon feels “extremely humble” to be named recipient of the Medal in the general division of the Order of Australia, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Ms Moon, 59, of Hoppers Crossing, has earned the award distinction for her work with RoCan (Rotary Against Ovarian Cancer), which has raised about $200,000 to support ovarian cancer screening test research.
She founded RoCan in 2003, following the death of a close friend, Anna, to the disease.
“We grew up together and had been friends for 38 years,” Yvonne said.
“I knew Anna was sick, but no one knew it was ovarian cancer because there are no clear symptoms,” she said.
“When she was diagnosed, it was too late.
“I made a promise to Anna that I would do my best to raise awareness of this insidious disease.
“I think she would be proud, too, of this award.”
Ms Moon, a former president of the Rotary Club of Williamstown, devoted herself to fundraising that would make a difference to ovarian cancer research.
“When Anna died, I knew nothing about ovarian cancer,” she said.
“Like most women, I thought a Pap smear would pick it up, but that’s not always the case.
“We just don’t have a reliable screening test for it.
“Now, the money raised from RoCan is funding a PhD student at the Royal Women’s Hospital, who is conducting research into finding such a test.”
The work is taking place at the hospital’s gynaecological cancer research centre.
Ovarian cancer affects 1200 Australian women every year.
Ms Moon is a much sought-after public speaker on the subject, addressing Rotary District conferences and clubs, community groups and schools.
As chair of the Community Services Committee, Rotary District 9800 since 2004, she supports projects including the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, partnerships with other community organisations and environmental awareness.
Through her home-based company, Moon Media Consultants, Ms Moon has assisted in the development of local community programs, such as art and festival events, and community banking.
