Ovar’Coming Together has the distinction of being both a Partner Member and a founding member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Based in Indianapolis, the organization was founded in 1995 by three women who were going through chemotherapy at the same time. “Kai Binford, Pam Faerber and Nancy Hines created Ovar’Coming Together when they realized … Continued
The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance got its start in 1998, when 13 survivors met. “They saw that there was a lot of work being done around research and testing,” says Doug Barron, Executive Director of the group. “But there was nothing for women about education and awareness of the risks and symptoms. Our founders wanted … Continued
In 1999, a small group of ovarian cancer survivors decided to get together to provide support for each other. The next year, they held the first walk/run in Minnesota for ovarian cancer. The organizers were surprised when hundreds of people joined the walk and raised $91,000. It brought home the message that there was a … Continued
(New York, NY – October 4, 2011) – A unique support program that pairs women with gynecologic cancer with volunteers who have survived the disease is coming to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The national Woman to Woman program, funded by Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), was first established at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, and OCRF plans … Continued
The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is one of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s national Partner Members, a relationship that strengthens both groups. Vice President of Education and Outreach Ivy Ahmed notes: “We’re not a tumor specific organization—we serve people with all cancer types. Being a Partner Member of the Alliance helps us provide resources specific … Continued
Drop by the Petaluma Arts Center on September 2, and you will find a building bedecked in teal. The Women’s Cancer Awareness Group is using “yarn-bombing”—decorating a public structure or space with yarn—to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. Groups of knitters have gathered once a week to create teal items for the project; those who … Continued
When Jean Shipos survived a recurrence of ovarian cancer in 2003, she and her daughter vowed to raise awareness of the disease. They got involved with a local run/walk, organizing a team and fundraising each year. In 2006, Jean’s daughter suggested starting an event of their own. “We can’t keep hitting up the same friends … Continued
Kelly Smith founded the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of North Florida while she was on spring break from college one year. Based in Tallahassee, this Partner Member focuses on younger women, including the many college students who attend schools in northern Florida. Kelly herself was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 17—about the age of the … Continued
When Joan Sagan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999, she was devastated. After more than 20 years working as an oncology nurse, Joan knew how deadly this disease could be. Her sisters, however, knew very little about ovarian cancer. They were surprised to learn that there is no early detection test, unlike breast and … Continued
Robin Cohen was working as an oncology nurse when one of her favorite patients, Sandy Rollman, passed away at age 33 from ovarian cancer. Robin’s work with Sandy and Sandy’s sister Adriana Way made her realize how few resources were available to women with this disease. “It was hard to even find a survivor for … Continued
Laura Stecher founded the Ovarian Cancer Orange County Alliance (OCOCA) in 2003 with friends from her support group. Today, she is a ten-year survivor—and one of only three surviving from their original group of eight. Whenever Laura gets burned out from her work on ovarian cancer, something happens to reenergize her. “I feel like those … Continued
Ray Ramano supports ovarian cancer initiatives in honor of his cousin, Linda, an ovarian cancer survivor and Director of Survivors Teaching Students SM, an Ovarian Cancer National Alliance program.
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