This morning, I was watching Regis and Kelly and, to my delight, I learned that Ms. Ripa, whom I really like, is the spokesperson for The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. It seems she’s hatched a plan to get people to buy handbags and appliances in the name of ovarian cancer. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, she’s sponsoring a virtual bake sale with Electrolux. For every cupcake you make online, $1 will be donated to help fight ovarian cancer. Hey, whatever it takes. If purchasing a designer purse or an energy-smart refrigerator means saving more lives (and extending my own) then I say bring on the mass production, people. Plus, that’s good for the economy, right?

There’s also new news this week about the results of a study calling for clinicians and medical researchers to chart and address the unmet needs of ovarian cancer patients. Experts believe there is significant opportunity to improve the diagnoses and outlook for women like me. It all starts with identifying the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which until recently had been largely unknown. Turns out, those who study the disease are finding that most women, me included, often suffer from bloating, weight loss or gain, and digestion issues. More findings will be released soon, and I’ll be sure to keep documenting.

In the meantime, if Kelly Ripa is your friend (I’ll even settle for Facebook friend), tell her that you know a fabulous ovarian cancer slayer who would love nothing more than to promote the cause with her. I wonder if I could get a free handbag.