Written by Chad Ramsey, Vice President, Policy, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
As 2025 ends, we’re reflecting on a year marked by growth, resilience, and meaningful impact. In a complex policy environment, one thing remained constant: the dedication of OCRA’s advocates to advancing policies that strengthen care, access, and support for people impacted by ovarian and gynecologic cancer.
New Center for Public Policy: Strengthening our National Voice
Building on OCRA’s leadership as the only national organization dedicated to fighting for ovarian and gynecologic cancer issues on Capitol Hill, our new Center for Public Policy brings together federal and state policy efforts, grassroots advocacy, expanded policy priorities, and new tools for action.
Advocacy Day: Our Strongest Showing Yet
OCRA’s Advocacy Day brought together 107 advocates from 36 states and 99 congressional districts to meet directly with lawmakers and staff of 145 congressional offices—sharing personal stories and reinforcing the urgent need for sustained investment in research, prevention, and patient-centered care.
These meetings are critical moments where lived experience meets policy, and your voices made a powerful impression on Capitol Hill.
Federal Advocacy: Navigating Challenges and Elevating our Priorities
Ongoing budget negotiations and funding uncertainty underscored how vulnerable cancer research and patient programs can be. Our advocates showed up by responding to action alerts, engaging policymakers, and ensuring ovarian and gynecologic cancer remained part of the conversation.
- More than 6,000 new advocates joined our network, a 280% increase in new advocate recruitment over last year
- Advocates sent over 21,000 messages to lawmakers, more than tripling last year’s actions
State and Local Advocacy: Momentum Across the Map
Advocate Leaders secured major state-level wins in care and affordability, as well as more than 120 proclamations and resolutions recognizing ovarian and gynecologic cancer awareness—the most in program history. These victories elevated visibility, educated local and state leaders, and ensured our priorities were formally recognized across the country.
Advocate Leader Program: Record Growth
We’re thrilled to share that 94 new Advocate Leaders will be joining our Advocate Leaders Program in 2026, making the upcoming cohort the largest in the program’s history, with a total of 226 Advocate Leaders representing 44 states and DC.
What’s Next: Looking Ahead to 2026
In 2026, OCRA’s advocacy will focus on five key areas:
- Research & Awareness: Expand funding for Johanna’s Law and gynecologic research initiatives and keep ovarian cancer a national priority.
- Access to Care: Ensure timely, high-quality, and affordable care for all patients.
- Clinical Trials & Equity: Make trials more accessible and representative for underserved communities.
- Drug & Diagnostic Access: Improve access to therapies, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
- Survivorship & Patient Support: Expand access to survivorship services and strengthen long-term care.
These priorities will guide our efforts to advance research, care, and support for all those affected by gynecologic cancer.
None of this progress would be possible without the commitment of our advocates. Whether you attended Advocacy Day, responded to an action alert, mentored a fellow advocate, or shared your story, you played a role in strengthening this movement.
Thank you for your energy, your persistence, and your belief in what advocacy can achieve.
We’re heading into 2026 inspired and ready to keep pushing forward together.
