OCRA’s Annual Advocacy Day Draws Survivors and Caregivers from Across the Country

Video still of OCRA advocate leader and ovarian cancer survivor Lauren Rigau being interviewed by WTVJ-TV NBC 6 Miami. Chyron reads, Growing Calls for Ovarian Cancer Research Funding. Text overlay reads, Teal Takes the Hill: 120+ Gynecologic Cancer Advocates Bring Their Fight to Congress. March News & Updates.

More than 120 gynecologic cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers and supporters from nearly forty states filled the halls of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, March 17—dressed in teal, the color of ovarian cancer awareness—as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) held its annual Spring Advocacy Day.

The advocates alongside OCRA President CEO Audra Moran met directly with members of Congress and their staff, pressing for federal investment in cancer research, expanded access to genetic testing and treatment, and stronger support for patients and families.

OCRA is the largest global organization dedicated to combating ovarian and all gynecologic cancers and is the only dedicated voice for ovarian and gynecologic cancer on Capitol Hill. The energy and reach of this year’s event drew attention beyond the Hill—find a roundup of press clips on our press page.

Audra Moran, OCRA’s President & CEO, Chad Ramsey, OCRA VP, Policy, and Advocate Leaders Staci Laird and Bridget Toomey, both of Iowa, in a meeting with Congressional representative at OCRA Advocacy Day
Audra Moran, OCRA’s President & CEO, Chad Ramsey, OCRA’s VP, Policy, and Advocate Leaders Staci Laird and Bridget Toomey, both of Iowa, meet with Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

“This day is about the dedication and commitment of the people who come here—who take something deeply personal and make it matter beyond themselves,” said Moran. “They show up, they speak with honesty and courage, and they make it impossible to ignore the urgency of this disease. This extraordinary act of generosity helps moves progress forward.“

“The energy was palpable during our Spring Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, when we brought together over 120 Advocate Leaders from across the country to urge Congress to increase support for critical gynecologic cancer research and education programs,” said Chad Ramsey, OCRA’s Vice President, Policy. 

To date, OCRA has held more than 2,100 meetings on Capitol Hill and helped secure more than $3.8 billion in federal research and education funding. 

Read more about our Advocacy Day asks, and how you can still help.

Photo of Tiffany, an OCRA Advocate Leader, shaking hands confidently with her Congressional representative in a legislative office setting.
Tiffany, OCRA Advocate Leader, meets with her Congressional Representative to urge federal funding for ovarian and gynecologic cancer programs

For the survivors, for the ones still fighting, for those who deserve better outcomes, and for the women we’ve lost, like my mom. As State Advocate Leaders with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, my sister-in-law Christina and I spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with legislators, sharing our stories, and advocating for new legislation and increased funding for ovarian cancer research. I carried my mom with me in every step. Change starts here. ~Tiffany, OCRA Advocate Leader

Rivkin Symposium: Driving Research Forward

Photo of Philadelphia skyline. Text reads, 16th Biennial Rivkin Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium. October 16-18, 2026. Philadelphia, PA.

Planning is underway for OCRA’s Biennial Rivkin Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium, scheduled for Oct. 16–18, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.

Since 1996, the Symposium has brought together leaders in ovarian cancer research and treatment for meaningful exchange that advances the field. A survivor panel opens the symposium, followed by expert presentations on novel therapies, early detection, cancer biology, and health disparities.

Designed for researchers and clinicians, the connections and insights made here have an impact far beyond the meeting itself, accelerating progress in prevention, detection, and treatment that ultimately benefits patients and families everywhere.

New Support and Education Sessions

Ovarian cancer survivor standing in front of a rainbow, smiling broadly with arms raised victoriously. Text reads, Support.

OCRA delivers diverse support and education programming for those impacted by gynecologic cancer, including information-packed webinars, workshops, roundtables, and supportive community-building sessions. Highlighted below are some of our new programs this month.

View all support and education programming.

Advanced Care Planning (NEW 3-Part Workshop Series)
April 6, 13 and 20 at 2PM ET | Register

Staying Current: Endometrial Cancer Treatment Updates (NEW Program)
April 7 at 11AM ET | Register

Staying Connected: Narrative Medicine

April 17, 11:30AM ET | Register

Roundtable: Sexual Health
April 22 at 12PM ET | Register

Ask the Experts: Navigating Testing (Webinar with Q&A)
April 29 at 1PM ET | Register

OCRA’s Patient Support and Education programs are generously sponsored by Merck, Genmab, PMV Pharma, the Shirley Z. Johnson Trust, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Genetech, Genmab, and GSK.   

Get Active, Give Back

Ovarian cancer survivor wearing a teal t-shirt is jogging on the sidewalk in a wooded area, smiling at the camera and wearing sunglasses. Text reads, Ways to Give.

Did you know your favorite activity can become a way to help those impacted by ovarian and gynecologic cancers?

Consider hosting an event or creating a virtual campaign to benefit OCRA’s support programs, research grants, and advocacy initiatives.

Help further our mission by becoming an OCRA Hero.