News

New Support Sessions for the Gynecologic Cancer Community

February 5, 2026

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has expanded its free, online support offerings with several new weekly sessions for individuals diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, as well as caregivers and family members. These include cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer support, caregiver grief support, Spanish-language sessions, and creative wellness programs. OCRA’s support sessions are facilitated by oncology social work professionals. … Continued

OCRA Hero Climbs Empire State Building to Support Ovarian Cancer Research

December 18, 2025

First-Time Participant Tackles 1,576 Steps to Honor Family and Support OCRA Earlier this year, Crystal Merope Jeffs took her support for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community to new heights—literally—when she entered the lottery for the Empire State Building Run-Up. I decided to do something a little wild—to run up the Empire State Building. All … Continued

Donate to Drive Progress Against Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer This Giving Season

November 21, 2025

YOU Can Help Shape the Future of Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Care Together we are driving research breakthroughs and helping patients and families facing gynecologic cancer to access critical support. Your generous donation brings us one step closer to reaching our important $2 million year-end fundraising goal, and an even more impactful 2026. Ovarian Cancer … Continued

OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students Program Spotlighted by Fort Worth Star-Telegram

October 8, 2025

In a recent article for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Jeff Guttenfelder spoke with journalist Ciara McCarthy about losing his late wife, Ni, to ovarian cancer, and how he is channeling his grief into action through participation in OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students program. Read the article “Fort Worth man’s wife died of ovarian cancer” in the … Continued

 September is Gynecologic and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

August 26, 2025

About Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month September is recognized nationwide as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. This is a dedicated time to raise awareness for all gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Throughout the month, OCRA joins forces with patients, caregivers, and supporters to amplify our voices. We focus on educating the public … Continued

OCRA’s Ovarian Cycle Rio Grande Valley In the News: Celebrating 10 Years

August 25, 2025

The Rio Grande Valley community will once again come together to ride for research as OCRA’s Ovarian Cycle Rio Grande Valley returns on September 13th at TRYBE Cycle. This year’s event is especially meaningful, marking the 10th anniversary of the fundraiser. Registration is open now. Event chair and ovarian cancer survivor Marlynn Olivarez recently appeared on KRGV-TV Channel 5 News with Dina Herrera Garza, … Continued

Why I Give: Continuing the Rivkin Center Legacy with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

August 11, 2025

On April 1, 2025, the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research officially joined forces with OCRA to expand education, support and research for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community. Together, we are carrying forward the Rivkin mission to find a cure, honoring stories like Mary’s and working to ensure others have the chance for earlier … Continued

How One Ovarian Cancer Survivor Turned Her Diagnosis Into a Mission to Save Lives | Heroes Highlights

July 10, 2025

As a 16-year survivor of primary peritoneal cancer who is continuously in treatment, author Jane Rubin has advice for anyone who has recently received a cancer diagnosis. “Let yourself react — it is crummy news. But don’t stay down. Get yourself back up and live your best life.” A Life-Altering Diagnosis — and an Unshakable Response Jane exemplifies these … Continued

June is Uterine Cancer Awareness Month: Resources & Programs

May 28, 2025

Uterine (or endometrial) cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer, with more than 886,000 women living with the disease in the U.S., according to National Cancer Institute’s SEER Cancer Statistics. As Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance funds research that aims to cure ovarian and related gynecologic cancers, we are here for those impacted by … Continued

The Impact of Our Work: Meet Liliana

May 14, 2025

Liliana is a mother, a wife, a dedicated volunteer and a former physician. While her cancer diagnosis forced her into early retirement, her mission to help others never wavered. Today, OCRA programs made possible by donor generosity, allow her to give back and make someone else’s journey a little easier, all while healing a part … Continued

The Overview: January 2025

January 30, 2025

OCRA Joins Forces With Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has announced that the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research will join with OCRA effective April 1, 2025. This historic collaboration unites two respected organizations committed to advancing research for a cure for ovarian and all gynecologic cancers. “OCRA has always … Continued

A Celebration of Community to Commence the New Year

January 9, 2025

More than 60 gynecologic cancer patients and survivors came together at the end of December for holiday merriment, celebrating of participants’ triumphs, and embracing the new year during a special session of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s online expressive arts series facilitated by our oncology social workers.  Ahead of this Express Yourself session, which centered on … Continued