The Overview: November 2020

We’re full on into fall, and giving thanks for all that we’ve accomplished together, in a year that’s been more than a little challenging.

RESEARCH

OCRA-funded research shines a light on genetic factors that may both drive and delay the onset of ovarian cancer. Read more about Alexander Nikitin, MD, PhD, and his published study.

Our Scientific Advisory Committee has just finished reviewing grant applications and we are eager to choose a new crop of investigators who are studying better ways to diagnose, treat and even cure ovarian cancer. Be on the lookout for an announcement in January.

In the meantime, meet Sarah Gitto, PhD, a current OCRA grantee who’s focused on the next line of defense.

Applications have opened for the 2021 Advocate Leader Program. Here’s a chance to join survivors, caregivers and activists around the U.S. to be a voice for the ovarian cancer community in order to affect change for those touched by the disease. No legislative or advocacy experience is necessary to apply – just a willingness to learn and, most importantly, to speak up on behalf of the patients and families who need it.

OCRA has formed a Health Equities Task Force with a stated mission of addressing and dismantling disparate conditions for those affected by ovarian cancer through interventions in policy, programs, and research. The task force is comprised of OCRA staff, ovarian cancer survivors, and other dedicated professionals who are all committed to diversity and the development of programmatic and systemic reforms. We will be eager to share updates and initiatives over the following months.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, the perfect time to offer a support group session called “Managing the Three C’s: Cancer, COVID, and Caregiving.” Register for Staying Connected sessions.

Many of the sessions from our 2020 Uniting for Hope Ovarian Cancer National Conference are available for viewing. From Ask the Experts to Managing Recurrence, Clinical Trials to Genetic Testing, and more, the learning never ends. Check out everything we have to offer.

Meet Elle Simone, OCRA Board Member and ovarian cancer survivor. You may know this celebrity chef from PBS’s America’s Test Kitchen, but there’s so much more to her story and she’s got some important truths to share.

We are heartened by the creative energy and commitment people have shown this year in organizing fundraising events around our shared mission. Even though the end of the year is approaching, we’re not done yet, so check out ways to get involved in the next couple of months. And remember, no matter where you live, you can participate!

You can give the gift of wellness to everyone on your holiday list, while supporting ovarian cancer research. OCRA is offering an exclusive collection of wellness videos, including yoga, meditation, sweat sessions, conscious breathing and more, led by fitness instructors from around the United States. There’s something for every fitness level and ability. It’s the perfect tribute gift!

GivingTuesday is around the corner and this year, we’re asking our ovarian cancer community to share their OCRA Story on social media. What does OCRA mean to you? Why do you support ovarian cancer research or participate in our programs? Simply by posting and tagging OCRA, you can raise $50 that will help fund better treatments and a cure, thanks to a generous matching donor who has pledged up to $50,000 in support of this campaign. Learn more >>

We’ve recently received the revised report from the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, and once again, OCRA meets all 20 standards for Charity Accountability.

As a member of our community, you are so important to us. We’d like to learn more about what motivates and inspires you, so we can be sure we’re giving you the most important updates. What is your connection to ovarian cancer and OCRA? What are you most interested in hearing about? And how often? Take our 5-minute survey!