When we think about ovarian cancer, or any illness, often our first instinct is to think about the patient who has been diagnosed or undergoing treatment. This is only natural, of course. And much of our work is rightly focused on improving outcomes for the patient. But behind each patient, there may be others whose … Continued
There’s no ‘right way’ to deal with shock or grief. The feelings are intense, and reactions to it are personal and varied. But Jaimie Kusher needed to feel like she was in control of a very out-of-control situation when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2015. Jaimie was 29 years old … Continued
Jane Rubin speaks quickly, with sentences not so much ending but flowing seamlessly into new thoughts and directions. Listening to her talk about her life and her work is like listening to someone try to cram an epic novel into a paragraph. Her interests and hunger for learning know no bounds. Jane, a 20-year breast … Continued
There are many adjectives one can use to describe ovarian cancer: relentless, cruel, a monster. But Dr. Sunila Pradeep also finds it ironic. “Women spend a lot of time and energy for the next generation. They are playing a major role in continuing life on earth. And then when many of them have fulfilled those … Continued
OCRA is committed to offering patients, caregivers and friends the most up to date information about ovarian cancer, helpful resources, and options for support. Below are some helpful links, and you can find even more information throughout our website. Patient Support Line Our Patient Support team is available Monday through Friday to provide support, information … Continued
If you had to describe Lana Holland in just one word, ‘soothing’ would be the word to use. She’s been a massage therapist for more than a decade, calling forth through her hands her earlier training as a social worker. Her voice – gentle, measured, yet filled with conviction – makes you feel as if … Continued
Jesse Dunn’s fondest memories are of sitting in front of the wood stove in his family’s Vermont home, wearing a pair of headphones and listening to his parents’ collection of tapes and records. That’s where he fell in love with music and developed his musical roots. Jesse, aged 38, now lives in Lake Tahoe and … Continued
“As we go through these hard, emotional times and social isolation, we have to support each other and create other means of keeping our spirits up.” – Yvette, Woman to Woman mentor Even in less stressful times, managing a gynecologic cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience. For many, it can feel like stepping into … Continued
Our Woman to Woman Peer Mentor Program provides connection and a listening ear. It’s completely virtual and open to all gynecologic cancer patients. We asked our Woman to Woman Mentors to share messages of hope, along with their strategies for coping with these uncertain times. Here’s what they have to say: Would you like your own … Continued
Cockroaches after a nuclear war. That is really the best way to understand what Dr. Ugo Cavallaro, a cell biologist and biochemist, is working on in his lab in Milan, Italy. He is trying to understand why an ovarian cancer tumor, which is successfully removed along with surrounding tissue, can manifest itself again. “This happens … Continued
As we remain steadfast in our long-range mission of being the voice for the ovarian cancer community and funding life-saving research, we also want to acknowledge the moment we are in now. We know that the isolation required of all of us may be both familiar to those who are undergoing or have gone through … Continued
She has swum in the Amazon, gone ice fishing in the Arctic, traveled the Galapagos, and hang-glided in New Zealand. But the biggest trail Dr. Beth Karlan has blazed throughout her life has been in the field of gynecologic oncology. Dr. Karlan is Professor and Vice Chair of Women’s Health Research in the Department of … Continued
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