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
Last year, nearly 13,000 medical and nursing students gained a better understanding of ovarian cancer—an understanding they’ll carry with them as they begin seeing patients of their own—by hearing the stories of our Survivors Teaching Students® survivor and caregiver volunteers. These experiences, shared face to face in classrooms with future healthcare professionals, leave a more … Continued
The novel coronavirus pandemic has impacted the healthcare system on every level. Right now, OCRA is working alongside several cancer advocacy groups to ensure government agencies are aware of COVID-19’s real-life impact on cancer patients. If you’re currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, please take a moment to complete the form below. Sharing your experience … Continued
(April 15) The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has become nearly all consuming. It’s impossible to turn on the news, browse social media, or walk outside without being reminded of the new, albeit temporary, state of the world. In an effort to control, slow, and hopefully stop the spread of COVID-19, drastic public health measures have been … Continued
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