August 13, 2009 – Mayor Pfund and the Ridgewood Village Council recently issued a proclamation declaring September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.  Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and it is known as “the silent disease” as its symptoms are often vague and go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed.  The Ethan Allen Chapter of the DeMolay Leaders of New Jersey, a young men’s leadership training organization located in Ridgewood, is supporting this cause due to the tragic loss of one its member’s sister, Meghan McGrady, after a six month battle at the age of 22.  Dan McGrady, chapter member and brother of Meghan, stated, “My sister was active with the DeMolay for several years, including serving as Chapter Sweetheart.  Despite being a boy’s group, we felt that we needed to help educate others about ovarian cancer, and remember Meghan.”  During the month of September, the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, Atlantic Heath, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) are waging an all out campaign to create awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms in order to improve early detection.  “When you see teal-colored ribbons on trees in towns across New Jersey, you will know our volunteers have been working on Turn the Towns Teal,” remarked Dan.  Mayor Pfund said, “We’re delighted to support such a worthwhile cause.”