Written by Julia Thayer, OCRA’s Associate Director, Advocacy

September was an especially busy month at Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), filled with awareness activities, OCRA’s International Gynecologic Cancer Conference®, and more. But our work continues year-round.

2027 Advocate Leaders Program Draws More Than 100 New Applicants

Preparations are already underway for the 2027 Advocate Leaders Program, and our Center for Public Policy has been busy conducting interviews with more than 100 new applicants. With so much interest, our next cohort is on track to be the largest in the program’s history!

Every Story Matters

These conversations have been deeply inspiring. It is an honor to hear applicants share so openly about their experiences and how they have turned a difficult diagnosis, or the experience of supporting someone they love, into something powerful.

Many are motivated by a desire to ensure that others have access to the care, information, and support they needed themselves. Others feel lucky that they were able to access the care and support that they needed, and want to make sure that nobody diagnosed with gynecologic cancer is left behind.

These experiences remind us what is at stake when we advocate for stronger research funding, better access to care, and policies that address disparities. We are grateful for the trust applicants place in us by sharing these deeply personal experiences, and for their willingness to use those experiences to help shape a better future for others.

Looking Ahead: Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act

Having this strong, dedicated group of Advocate Leaders leading the charge will be especially important next year as we work to advance the Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act. By sharing their stories and building relationships with lawmakers, our Advocate Leaders help connect policy decisions to the people they affect. Their voices will be essential to building support for this legislation and keeping the needs of our community at the center of those conversations.

Add Your Voice: Urge Congress to support the Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who applied and to our current Advocate Leaders for all the incredible work they’ve done and continue to do, year after year. We look forward to welcoming our 2027 cohort and working together to turn our community’s voices into meaningful progress!