There’s so much happening at OCRA – from groundbreaking research to advocacy work, patient support to fundraising efforts. Starting this summer, we will share periodic highlights so that you can stay up to date on the latest. Research A pandemic won’t stop us from our mission to cure ovarian cancer. OCRA is now accepting applications for 2021 … Continued
“Don’t settle” This simple two-word mantra is what guides Roxanne Bright – self-proclaimed dog mom, crafter, and 9-year ovarian cancer survivor from West Virginia who is on a mission to use her voice for good. “Once you’ve heard the word ‘cancer’ tied to your name, you don’t want to settle for anything less than a … Continued
The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) is a cutting-edge program housed within the Department of Defense. Despite a history of successful breakthroughs, the program has long been drastically underfunded. The House and Senate are currently working to determine funding levels for programs in Fiscal Year 2021. Urge your Members of Congress to support full funding … Continued
For many ovarian cancer patients, clinical trials offer a promising avenue for expanding treatment options and extending survival. Unfortunately, participation comes at a steep financial cost that is often prohibitive – even for patients with health insurance. Over 20 percent of cancer patients report out-of-pocket costs as a major barrier to joining a trial. The costs of … Continued
“When something is important to you. Be passionate about it. Stay in their face.” That was the advice Kandis Draw received from her mother over and over as she was growing up. She saw echoes of that statement reflected in the three women – Kandis’ mother and her two aunts (dear friends of her mother) … Continued
(June 16, 2020) Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. There is no effective screening tool and early symptoms are often vague, or altogether absent. Most cases are diagnosed in later stages, when treatment options are limited and chances for survival diminished. … Continued
To speak with Kimberly Richardson is to feel an instant camaraderie with someone who exhibits both calm and conviction, thoughtfulness and frank talk. She has learned a lot in the past 20 years – running triathlons, running a nonprofit in Chicago focused on small business development, teaching urban sociology as an adjunct professor – and … Continued
If there’s one thing that working toward an end to ovarian cancer has taught us, it’s that life is precious. We value the life of every person in our ovarian cancer community, and celebrate its diversity and strength. But today we stand in solidarity with our ovarian cancer community–and communities all over this country–in saying … Continued
In 2005, Denise Lobodinski’s sister Renee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 47. That same year, their father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But her father’s doctor told Denise’s mother, “Don’t worry about your husband. Worry about your daughter.” In fifteen years, Denise feels like very little has changed in terms of … Continued
Covid-19 has disrupted nearly every aspect of life as we know it, and navigating a diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer – already a game changer – has been impacted as well. We want to better understand from our community exactly how this pandemic is affecting access to, and decisions around, treatment and clinical trials … Continued
The world works in ironic and sometimes painful ways Yvette Jives, a nurse and social worker in North Carolina, has spent a lifetime helping others. She developed a women’s health program at the community center where she worked for 15 years (after working for 14 years in a hospital), monitoring patients’ cervical and breast cancer … Continued
Sandy Sullivan has a favorite quote that she keeps pinned to her bulletin board. It reads, “If you’re lucky enough to get a second chance at something, don’t waste it.” It’s a powerful statement for anyone, but especially poignant for someone surviving ovarian cancer. And yet, Sandy has always lived her adult life – even … Continued
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