In a recent article, Mercer Island Reporter journalist Andy Nystrom looks at the history and ongoing impact of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) Rivkin Family SummeRun, the iconic annual 5K Run/Walk event that continues to play a vital role in raising funds for ovarian cancer research.
Join the 2025 SummeRun in Seattle
This year’s OCRA Rivkin Family SummeRun will take place at 8 a.m. on July 13, 2025, at Seward Park in Seattle and is open to all ages and fitness levels. Ovarian and gynecologic cancer survivors may register for free.
OCRA and Rivkin Center Unite to Accelerate Progress
The Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research formally joined with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in April 2025, uniting under a shared commitment to fund ovarian cancer research, while supporting and advocating for everyone impacted by gynecologic cancer.
Honoring a Personal Legacy and Building Community
Now in its 32nd year, the SummeRun was founded by Dr. Saul E. Rivkin in memory of his late wife, Marsha, who died of ovarian cancer in 1993 at age 49. Over the past three decades, the event has raised more than $10 million to support ovarian cancer research.
Melissa Rivkin is an OCRA Board member, Seattle resident, and one of Saul’s five daughters. She spoke with Mercer Island Reporter about the significance of the SummeRun for both her family and the broader community.
It’s wonderful and it’s humbling and it’s really amazing when you think about it for many ways,” she said in the interview. “Certainly as a testament to my mom, but more for the survivors and thrivers and families today. It’s incredible to see this community grow and the support, and also the focus on ovarian cancer get more attention that it really needs.
Supporting Research Through Rivkin Pilot Grants
Proceeds from the event will support the next round of Rivkin Pilot Grants, which fund early-stage research projects with the potential to advance understanding and treatment of ovarian cancer. To date, the Rivkin Center’s grantmaking has helped generate over $300 million in additional research funding.
A Community Gathering with a Purpose
It’s for survivors and their families and friends and anybody that wants to come,” said OCRA President and CEO Audra Moran, reflecting on the SummeRun’s role in bringing the community together in support of progress. “It’s a great opportunity to get together. We’re going to talk about gynecologic cancer and ovarian cancer research and just being together as a community.
Read the full Mercer Island Reporter article, “OCRA Rivkin Family SummeRun Set for July 13th.”
To register or donate, visit summerun.ocrahope.org.
