There is a towbanner soaring 500ft above Woodford as this is published, displaying this message proudly.

There is no debate. There is no conspiracy. There is no doubt. Vaccination saves everyone in our community. From suffering. From death.

I’m turning 23 next month and I’m so grateful to live in a time where I do not have to watch my family and friends suffer from polio. Where the medical advances so many of us take for granted are saving lives right now. Our grandparents tell us of the horrors they and their loved ones before them faced when they had no defense against diseases like measles that took so many lives. It seems to us younger ones living now, that it’s all just a thing of a past.

But it won’t be if we don’t keep an active fight against the diseases that caused the suffering of so many in the past and unfortunately is still causing deaths of our most vulnerable today.

My qualifications are not in medicine or in science. So instead of getting into the details where others can do a far superior and qualified job of doing so, here are some quick facts on vaccines and the Australian Vaccination Network.

Some things to know about vaccines

• It’s all about herd immunity. Do your part for the community so we can all be healthier.
• Adults require boosters. Shots as a kid do not last your lifetime.
• They are not 100% effective. The diseases they assist with preventing can be fatal. No protection is risky business.
• Serious reactions are extremely rare. Most reactions are mild and go unnoticed. Your GP is happy to discuss the risks with you prior to choosing to vaccinate.

Some things to know about the AVN and Meryl Dorey

The information I have provided here is just a tiny snapshot of what Stop the Australian Vaccination Network have been running campaigns for and has been growing in strength since 2009. I hope for those out there currently seeking answers regarding vaccination that you do use your freedom of choice to come to an conclusion that you are confident in for yourself, family and community. StopAVN will try their best to assist by providing evidence based information so you are fully informed on vaccination.

Thirty-four citizen activists contributed with individual donations from $15 to $300 to cover the $2,800 cost of the plane and towbanner (that’s not even 1% of the AVN’s audited revenue for 2010).

Anyone can be a part of spreading this positive message. If you want to raise awareness, you can be part of StopAVN. If you wish to assist, please visit StopAVN’s Vaccination Saves Lives campaign page. Also, visit here for blogger resources.

I did complete my challenge of wearing a different frock for every day of the month of October. In total, I received $700 in sponsorships!* Thank you to all my sponsors for making my contribution to Frocktober a success!

Also many thanks to everyone that tweeted, shared and liked my updates and Frocktober photos.

(Gives you a twirl.)

* As of November 1, 12:00am. Donations can still be processed on the Everyday Hero site after the official event ending date but I’m unsure how long for.

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

Dress 1:

Dress 2 for the Kino Kabaret screening party:

(Note: I’m cheating for a little bit for the dates of October 29 and October 30. I usually take a photo of my frock at the end of the day I wear it. These photos were taken prior to me wearing them on those days as I am attending a 32 hour filmmaking marathon called ‘Kino Kabaret’ and will likely not have a chance to take a photo during it. If I get a chance to get a photo of me in action in the frocks during the event, I’ll post them up. )

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

(Note: I’m cheating for a little bit for the dates of October 29 and October 30. I usually take a photo of my frock at the end of the day I wear it. These photos were taken prior to me wearing them on those days as I am attending a 32 hour filmmaking marathon called ‘Kino Kabaret’ and will likely not have a chance to take a photo during it. If I get a chance to get a photo of me in action in the frocks during the event, I’ll post them up. )

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

The print:

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

PurpleFae in a ChicStar dress:

Dave The Happy Singer in colours:

With last night’s efforts and more online contributions from friends, I am now over my donation target! Yay, team! I started with the target of $200 that we knocked over in the first week and we have now passed $500!

Only a few more days and dresses left!

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥

I’m looking for sponsors for Frocktober 2011, a fundraising event happening throughout October to raise donations for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The challenge I am taking on is: Don a frock every day of October.

For more information on Frocktober and to sponsor me, please visit:
www.everydayhero.com.au/purplefae

All dresses can be found in this album:
Facebook Frocktober 2011 Album

Thank you ♥