When Suzi Shoemaker was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006, she assumed there would be a support group for her in Lexington, Kentucky. After her first experience with a Women’s Cancer Group, where she was told “We only had one member with ovarian cancer, and she just died,” Suzi decided there was a need for … Continued
In 2008, a group of ovarian cancer patients and survivors created the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona. They were tired of the lack of resources in Arizona: no support network, no one to talk to outside of the doctor’s office, no extracurricular meetings or events, and no resources for caretakers. They started OCAZ to fill … Continued
Hope for Heather was established in memory of Heather Weeks, a young woman who lost her life to colon cancer but spent her 20s working on behalf of women with ovarian cancer. Heather’s family started the organization in March of 2009. Their original goal was to raise about $1,000 a year for ovarian cancer research; … Continued
In 1999, Frieda Hooper was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Frustrated with the lack of educational and supportive resources available, Hooper formed a support group for women with ovarian cancer in the Tampa Bay area, under the American Cancer Society. Rapidly growing in popularity, Ovacome started meeting independently of the American Cancer Society, eventually becoming an … Continued
In 2004, Sherie Hildreth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. If the disease alone wasn’t frustrating enough, there was a lack of resources and what seemed like no other women to connect with in Oregon. During her treatment, Sherie noticed a lot of women did not have anyone to turn to, and wanted to create a … Continued
SHARE got its start in 1976 when Dr. Eugene Thiessen, an oncologist and surgeon, invited survivors to meet informally at the Manhattan breast cancer clinic he founded. “At the time, people were not comfortable uttering the words ‘breast’ and ‘cancer’ out loud. The notion of peer support was truly innovative,” says Jacqueline Reinhard, SHARE’s executive … Continued
Dr. Ron Chandler is a 2013 Ann Schreiber Mentored Investigator Award recipient. In this interview with OCRF’s Sarah DeFeo, Dr. Chandler discusses his research and what it means to receive a grant from OCRF. Sarah DeFeo: Tell us about yourself. Ron Chandler: I am the first Ph.D. scientist in my family, although my Grandpa and Dad … Continued
Dr. Maria Barbolina is a 2013 Liz Tilberis Early Career Award grant recipient. In this interview with OCRF’s Sarah DeFeo, Dr. Barolina discusses her research and what it means to receive a grant from OCRF. Sarah DeFeo: Tell us a little about yourself. Maria Barbolina: I live in Chicago now, but my life started on the … Continued
The Petersen family was inspired to educate the world about small cell ovarian cancer while their daughter and sister Stephanie was undergoing treatment for the disease. “The first thing they said to us was, ‘Don’t look on the internet—you won’t find anything about small cell ovarian cancer,’ ” recalls Maren Petersen. Discouraged by the lack … Continued
Alicia Baines was inspired to start Promises of Hope by the people in her community: “I recognized that my community is in need,” she recalls. “People are afraid to talk about cancer. It’s not until someone passes away that they realize they probably should have done more.” Promises of Hope is dedicated to serving Prince … Continued
“November 4, 1999 was one of those perfect autumn days in New York when it seems as though nothing could go wrong. But it did for me. That was the day I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the world as I knew it would never be the same,” says Valerie. “No one could have … Continued
Experts agree: “If you or a close relative has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, speak to your doctor about getting genetic counseling.” In the wake of Angelina Jolie’s announcement that she carries a genetic mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancers, thousands of women are wondering whether they are at risk. To address their concerns, … Continued
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