The Overview: December 2021

This time of year always has us reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, what we hope to achieve in the future, and how we — with the support of the entire ovarian cancer community — can lean in even harder to our commitment of being a voice for all those touched by the disease, and finding better treatments and a cure.

Research

• OCRA grantees made incredible strides in identifying new biomarkers, uncovering new pathways for targeted treatments, gaining new understanding in resistance to immunotherapy, and more. Learn why we have much to celebrate as 2021 draws to a close, and why we’re optimistic for the future.

• Speaking of our grantees, several OCRA-funded researchers, among others around the country, analyzed tumor samples to reveal unique genetic switches. The research, published in Science Advances, turned up three potential drug targets for aggressive ovarian cancer, among other findings.

• In what could prove to be a game-changer for ovarian cancer debulking procedures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an imaging drug designed to help doctors better locate and identify ovarian cancer lesions during surgery.

• OCRA is pleased to announce the establishment of a major new research partnership with Nicholas Firth and the Jean & Louis Dreyfus Foundation to be known as The Edmée Firth Fund for Research in Ovarian Cancer (EFFROC). Learn more about what this initiative hopes to achieve and the woman it was created to honor.

• More than one-third of those with ovarian cancer develop ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Learn more about this condition and how it can be treated.

Advocacy

• Applications are now open for our 2022 Advocate Leaders. Learn more about how you can be an important voice for the ovarian cancer community and apply today. Applications close this Friday, 12/17.

• Survivors Teaching Students is seeking volunteers! Opportunities are available for all, including those who live where we have no current STS presence. We need survivors and caregivers of all ages, races and ethnicities to share their stories in order to educate rising healthcare professionals.

• Want to come join our Policy Team in Washington, DC? We are currently seeking outstanding candidates who are interested in becoming powerhouse advocates. If you are a recent graduate or are pursuing a master’s degree in the field of Public Health, Public Policy or a related discipline, please consider applying for the Ann Kolker Advocacy Fellowship.

Patient Support & Programs

• Last month, OCRA kicked off its new Expressive Arts virtual support series — monthly 90-minute therapeutic sessions that combine a themed creative activity with discussion. The next session takes place December 16. Register for this week’s meeting, titled “Home for the Holidays,” or sign up for others to follow!

• Read about ways to thrive after a diagnosis, with practical tips from a doctor who presented at our Ovarian Cancer National Conference, as well as insightful advice from our community.

• Our patient support team has been quite busy meeting the needs of our community this year. Since January, they have answered calls from more than 1,070 people on the patient support line, served more than 700 people through the Staying Connected virtual support group series, and made more than 470 matches through our Woman to Woman peer support program. If you, or someone you know, needs to connect, there are many ways to get help.

Ways to Give

A generous Board Member is matching every gift made this month, up to $500,000, as we raise crucial end-of-year funds that will determine the research grants we can give in the future. Please donate today!

Of course, it’s easier than ever to support OCRA at the same time as you purchase gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season.

• If you’re planning to shop with Amazon, choose OCRA as your Amazon Smile charity of choice, and a portion of your purchases will support the fight against ovarian cancer. To date, Amazon shoppers have raised $36,000 for OCRA’s research and programs.

• With Cheerful Giving, you can round up your everyday purchases and donate the spare change to OCRA. A few cents here, a few cents there — every penny gets us one step closer to finding a cure.

Here are some ways that you can make your gift go farther this holiday season:

• OCRA now accepts donations of cryptocurrency! Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this fast, secure and life-changing way to fund cutting edge research and vital patient support and advocacy programs. Crypto donations are non-taxable, meaning you do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciated amount, and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn more about donating crypto.

• Many employers match charitable donations, doubling your impact. Your HR department can guide you or use this tool to search for information on your company’s matching gift program.

• Stock donations can often be more valuable than selling the stock and donating the proceeds. You receive a tax letter for the full market value of the stock and avoid federal capital gains taxes. Your financial advisor can assist you in making a gift of stock and we can provide instructions for electronic transfer.

• If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA account. Contact your IRA administrator directly to set up a transfer of funds.