Merger to create largest global ovarian cancer policy advocacy and research organization

January 26, 2016 — Today, two of the nation’s foremost ovarian cancer policy advocacy and research organizations, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund announced a merger, forming the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRFA). This move comes at a critical time for ovarian cancer research, when scientific discoveries are rapidly increasing but federal funding is not keeping pace to support this progress. The newly formed OCRFA will be the largest global organization dedicated to advocating for policies that give women access to the services they need before, during and after a diagnosis, and advancing critical ovarian cancer research.

“The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance believes we can gain more ground together, fighting disease through a “one-stop shop” approach to research, advocacy, education and awareness – similar to the American Lung Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,” said OCRFA CEO Audra Moran. “The formation of OCRFA will propel ovarian cancer prevention and treatment forward at an accelerated pace.”

Over the past 22 years, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund have been leaders in the fight against ovarian cancer, raising a combined total of $2.3 billion for policy advocacy and research.

“This merger will unite the ovarian cancer community under one strong voice,” said OCRFA Executive Vice President Calaneet Balas. “Together, we are stronger, more efficient and more effective.”

OCRFA is committed to continuing and expanding the many initiatives begun by both the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in the past, including:

Advocacy Day
Each year OCRFA will bring hundreds of ovarian cancer survivors and their families to Capitol Hill to share with lawmakers how federal funding makes a critical difference in ovarian cancer research and education. To date, OCRFA has secured over $2.2 billion in federal funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness.

Ovarian Cancer National Conference
The Ovarian Cancer National Conference connects fellow survivors who hear from the nation’s top researchers and, in turn, receive hope and confidence to continue their journey. This year’s National Conference will take place in Washington DC from July 8-11, 2016.

Research Grants
OCRFA research grants support postdoctoral fellows, early career independent investigators, and teams of experienced investigators. Since its founding, it has awarded 69 leading medical centers 255 grants for ovarian cancer research and related programs: an investment totaling nearly $70 million. With an annual grant making budget of $6 million to $7 million, we are the largest charity funding ovarian cancer research in the United States.

Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives®
Volunteers with our Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives® program have educated more than 50,000 future health providers to recognize and diagnose ovarian cancer. This groundbreaking program has now expanded beyond the United States, with programs launching last year in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Woman to Woman
Woman to Woman is a unique support program that pairs gynecologic cancer patients with trained survivor volunteers who provide one-on-one emotional support and mentoring to women when they need it most. Originally started at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, Woman to Woman has now expanded to 22 sites across the country. From the moment of diagnosis through the end of treatment, Woman to Woman survivor volunteers have helped hundreds of women and their families cope with gynecologic cancer.

Super Saturday
Super Saturday was founded in the Hamptons in 1998 by Liz Tilberis, the late editor-inchief of Harper’s Bazaar and former OCRF president, and Donna Karan, fashion designer and creator of Donna Karan New York and DKNY fashion labels. Now hosted by LIVE with Kelly and Michael host Kelly Ripa and Donna Karan, and sponsored by the QVC television shopping network, the event is one of the largest and most anticipated events of the summer. Every year, Super Saturday New York brings over 2,500 celebrities, editors, media influencers, designers, bargain lovers and families together for a one-of-a-kind designer sale with over 150 brands in all categories offered at 30 to 50 percent off retail. In 2014, Super Saturday expanded to the West Coast with the inaugural OCRF Super Saturday Los Angeles, hosted by fashion stylist and reality TV celebrities Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman, actress and model Molly Sims, and film producer Scott Stuber — and the first annual Super Saturday Vegas-style event in Las Vegas was launched in 2015. OCRF’s three Super Saturday events raised $4 million for ovarian cancer research in 2015.

Ovarian Cycle
Ovarian Cycle is a series of indoor cycling events, open to men and women, which inspire people to fitness while raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research. Launched in Atlanta in 2004, Ovarian Cycle officially became a part of OCRF as a signature event in 2012. In 2015, Ovarian Cycle events were held in 16 cities and over the last three years these events have raised more than $2 million.