To Scarf or Not to Scarf
- Olivia Newton John is fighting breast cancer, and her fans say she needs a mask, not a scarf, for protection.
- In a video posted to her Instagram, John is wearing a scarf as a mask as a means to promote a fundraiser for the Open Hearts Foundation.
- The singer has been open and hopeful during her cancer journey.
In the video, the lovely Olivia is seen wearing a grey infinity scarf that her friend, actress Jane Seymour, designed. She greets followers saying, "Hi everyone! Olivia under here. I wanted to tell you about these two great pieces that Jane Seymour is selling through her Open Hearts Foundation."
View this post on InstagramRead More John goes on to say that proceeds from sales of the scarves go to benefit the Open Hearts Foundation.The Aussie writes on her Instagram:
I love my Open Hearts Infinity Scarf designed by my friend @janeseymour and my @wallaroohats Proceeds from orders placed on the site benefit the foundation @theopenheartsfoundation There [are] limited quantities so get yours today and help the foundation and people with COVID.
While her heart is in the right place by promoting her friend's work and foundation, Olivia's followers are concerned about her choice of protection against COVID-19.
The CDC has advised that wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose is one of the best forms of protection against getting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. While the scarves are lovely, their protection is not as ample as they should be, due to potential slippage.
Fans point this out in the comments section. A couple of fans from Australia point out that they can't wear scarves for protection there:
Here in Melbourne our Premier has banned bandannas, shields etc and mandated face masks only!
Another fan in Oz writes:
Too bad we can’t wear bandana masks in Victoria. Do you sell normal face masks?
One fan points out:
They say scarves don't work against covid
And one fan basically pleads with Olivia to continue using a face mask for her safety, and the safety of others:
You [look] darling but please continue to use a mask when around others as that will give you full protection…
The jury is in: Scarves just don't cut it especially for cancer patients, like Olivia.
Olivia's Long Breast Cancer Journey
The singer is currently battling advanced stage breast cancer; doing it bravely and with tremendous joy. This is not her first bout with cancer, it’s something she’s battled before. She was first diagnosed in 1992 with breast cancer, and following the diagnosis, she had chemotherapy. She also had a modified radical mastectomy (a procedure that removes both breasts).
When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
In 2015 John entered into remission, but in 2017 the cancer returned and when it did, it presented a new set of challenges. Her breast cancer was diagnosed as stage 4, metastatic. This means it had spread to other parts of her body.
She has spoken openly about the ways she is coping with the diagnosis, including using cannabis to minimize her pain from treatment.
Treating Chemo Side Effects With Cannabis
John has said, "You don't die from taking cannabis, but you do from taking opiates. And there are millions of people who could benefit from cannabis: it helps with pain, sleep, anxiety; trauma. My dream is to see everyone benefiting from its healing properties."
Related: SurvivorNet Resources for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
She has also fought valiantly and encouraged others to do the same. John has spoken about wanting to be part of the movement to find a cure for cancer. Despite her cancer hardships, the loveable Aussie continues to face her reality with joy and heart, and lending helping hands to friends. We just hope that, next time, she wears a mask so that this global treasure is as protected as possible!
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