Why local creator Erna Glassford is frocking up for ovarian cancer research
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If you’ve seen a woman running around Canberra creating content in beautiful dresses, you’ve probably come across Erna Glassford.
Better known by her Instagram handle @simplycheecky, she’s been a part of Canberra’s community – posting about food, fashion and beauty – since she launched the account in 2017. But now Erna is using her iconic dress collection for a cause beyond a gorgeous grid post.
And it’s personal.
Aiming to raise $1,000 for Frocktober – an annual fundraising event for ovarian cancer research – Erna had originally planned to be involved in 2025. But her health stopped her as she recovered from a stage IIIB serous borderline ovarian tumour, microinvasive variant.
“In simple terms, borderline ovarian tumours involve abnormal cells in the tissue covering the ovary. They’re different from invasive ovarian cancer, but ‘borderline’ certainly didn’t mean something I could ignore, or a small impact on my life,” she explains.
“I needed a radical hysterectomy, followed by recovery and ongoing specialist monitoring. Everything happened so quickly that processing it emotionally took longer than getting through the surgery itself.”
Erna’s diagnosis came by chance. After bumping into a long-lost friend who was undergoing her own health issues, Erna reluctantly asked her GP for a referral and was placed on an eight-week waitlist to get the scan.
When the GP called asking her to go back in following the ultrasound, Erna put it off. After the third call, she finally went.
“They found two large cysts, one on each ovary. One was even bigger than the ovary itself. My GP arranged for me to see a specialist, and a week later I had surgery. It took me completely by surprise,” says Erna.
“Looking back, I’m grateful for my friend’s encouragement and her persistence. I don’t know what would have happened if it had been discovered later, but I’m very glad I went when I did.”
Erna in one of her beautiful frocks at Floriade.
Erna’s tumour was 100 per cent estrogen receptor positive, meaning that not only does she have menopausal symptoms – including hot flushes – but standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t suitable for her. She also now takes daily medication (some of which isn’t covered by the PBS), has blood tests every three months and CT scans every six months.
She says that between medication, appointments and the time involved, looking after her health has become a continuing commitment.
“The impact doesn’t finish when you leave hospital. You’re adjusting physically and emotionally while also working out how it all fits into everyday life and your budget,” Erna explains.
Fashion has always been one of her favourite ways to express herself, so as Erna faced a lengthy recovery, she already knew that she wanted to participate in Frocktober and decided that 2026 would be the time to let her wardrobe shine.
“One of the questions I asked my specialist after surgery was, ‘How do I raise awareness?’ Having gone through something so unexpected, I wanted to share my experience and do something useful with it,” says Erna.
“Frocktober brings together a cause close to my heart and my love of dressing up. My wardrobe was clearly waiting for this assignment. I hope the outfits start conversations as well as bring in donations.”
For Frocktober, Erna says that people can expect “colour, a little drama and absolutely more twirling than necessary.”
“I’m inviting people to have a say in what I wear, too. When you donate, you can request a colour, theme or style, and I’ll do my best to bring it to life. Essentially, you get to give me a fashion brief. Be kind, I’m putting my wardrobe in your hands!”
“I’ll be sharing the outfits on Instagram, so follow along to see what everyone comes up with. I’d love people to feel involved and have some fun with me while supporting the research.”
Erna will also be selling some pieces from her wardrobe along with other pre-loved belongings at some local markets – including the Love It Again Markets on Sunday 11 October and Fyshwick Fashion Market on Sunday 18 October – with 10 per cent of her sales going towards the fundraiser. She will also be selling raffle tickets at both markets to raise money, with the chance to win two high teas at QT and goodies from Three Mills.
Erna will be selling some of her wardrobe to raise funds.
Along with exploring the possibility of an after-hours shopping evening with some not-for-profit retailers, she’s already on her way to her goal.
“The number in my head was actually $10,000! Then the first timer in me said, ‘Perhaps we start with $1,000 and see how we go’…But the $10,000 ambition is still very much there,” says Erna.
“People started donating before October had even begun, which has been incredibly encouraging. Between those donations, my market sales and the collaborations I’m exploring, I’d love to keep building. There are plenty of frocks left in the wardrobe!”
If there’s one message Erna would like people to take away from her story, it’s to put your health first, even if you feel like it can wait. She hopes that her Frocktober fundraising encourages those conversations and helps to fund much-needed ovarian cancer research.
“One thing I want people to understand is that ovarian cancer can have symptoms, but they can be easy to miss or explain away. These can include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, changes in appetite, needing to wee more often or urgently, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained tiredness,” she explains.
“It’s tempting to blame what we’ve eaten or assume it’s just perimenopause…But if something is new, unusual for you, persistent or getting worse, please speak to your GP.”
“The dresses are how I get your attention; I hope the reason I’m wearing them stays with you.”
To see Erna’s frocks, follow @simplycheecky. To donate or find out more, visit frocktober.org.au/fundraise/simplycheecky
