Three years ago the 17-year-old was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the end of Year 8, an experience she said really opened her eyes.

“It was a positive experience overall,” she said.

“I’m now thinking of doing radiology because it’s a way of giving back a bit for what they did for me.”

Getting ovarian cancer at such a young age is very rare and Lauryn said was a shock to her.

The Year 12 Calrossy Anglican School student will be joining with classmates today to raise money for ovarian cancer research and awareness.

Every year Calrossy Year 12 students choose a charity to raise money for all year and with Lauryn dear to their hearts, they have chosen Ovarian Cancer Australia to

benefit.

The girls will be selling teal-coloured ribbons at the school and there will be businesses throughout Tamworth also helping the cause.

Lauryn said people needed to be aware of their bodies to pick up the cancer early.

“People need to look out for abnormalities in their stomach and make sure they know what is really normal for them,” she said.

“Bloating is a major symptom and if you’re concerned you should talk to you doctor.”

Melinda McDonald, of Calrossy, said the school really wanted to raise awareness of the cancer and raise money for research.

Every year about 1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia and more than 850 will die from the

disease.

For more information visit www.ovariancancer.net.au