The Overview | December 2022

There are many different celebrations involving light during these dark winter days. And certainly, our community is a great source of brightness — from the hope of scientific breakthroughs on the horizon to the strength, grace and resilience shown by so many patients and survivors. And, of course, there’s the fierce dedication to our shared mission demonstrated by our many supporters. From all of us at OCRA, we wish you a season filled with light and love, and a new year filled with strength.

Research

• Exciting news! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to a new targeted treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Learn about this new therapy and companion diagnostic tool, and what it means for our community.

• Speaking of exciting news, watch this short video of Audra Moran, OCRA’s President & CEO, talk about some bold new initiatives we have planned for 2023.

• NCCN guidelines for the management of ovarian cancer, as well as fallopian and primary peritoneal cancers, specify that patients diagnosed with those diseases should have germline and somatic testing. But what does this even mean? And how is that different from genetic or genomic testing? All of your questions about genetic testing, and then some, are answered in this article based on a presentation by Dr. Barbara Norquist at OCRA’s Ovarian Cancer National Conference.

• While OCRA has always offered support to those facing any gynecologic cancer, we will now be expanding our funded research beyond the ovaries as well. Learn why this is a critical step to preventing and curing ovarian cancer, as shared by Dr. David Huntsman at this year’s Conference.

• Many wonder if there is an ideal diet for ovarian cancer. Cara Anselmo, Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, spoke at this year’s Conference and answered some of the most prevalent questions around nutrition, diet, and ovarian cancer.

• You can visit our website to play all the videos from OCRA’s Uniting for Hope Ovarian Cancer National Conference, including the presentations referenced in the above blurbs.

Advocacy

• Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a spending bill for FY2023 that included significant increases in federal funding for critical ovarian cancer research and education programs. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has not yet taken action as a funding deadline is rapidly approaching. Time is running out as federal funding will expire if Congress doesn’t act soon. Please tell Congress to act today!

• OCRA is seeking a new Health Policy Fellow in 2023. The Ann Kolker Advocacy Fellowship honors the legacy of a pioneer and staunch advocate in the fight against ovarian cancer. The Fellow will serve an important role in helping OCRA implement its policy agenda on Capitol Hill, identify areas for engagement, and create strategies and help target resources to maximize effectiveness and bring about real change. The Fellowship is open to recent post-graduate students with an interest in public health policy.

Patient Support

• Staying Connected Support Series will continue to offer its weekly virtual sessions entitled: New Diagnosis, Living Well, Young Adults, and Evolving Hope. Beginning in 2023, we will add a weekly LGBTQIA+ session, as well as a Loved Ones Weekly Winter Series (January: Partners and Spouse, February: Parents of Children with Gynecologic Cancers, and March: Adult Children.) Learn more and register for Staying Connected.

• Express Yourself is a unique spin on the Staying Connected support series. These sessions combine a themed creative therapeutic activity with open discussion, providing an opportunity to explore, create and share. In 2023 we will add special monthly sessions for those with endometrial/uterine cancer; those with rare gynecologic cancers; loved ones; and young adults. We are also excited to launch a book club, which will meet every other month. Learn more and register.

• OCRA’s Clinical Trials Finder provides an easy way for patients to find trials that may be appropriate for them. And now, the one-stop service provides information on current clinical trials in the U.S. and Canada for those with ovarian, cervical, endometrial/uterine, and rare gynecologic cancers.

Ways to Give

December is a critical fundraising month, and the funds we raise in the next two weeks help determine the impact we can make in 2023. Please help us reach our goal by making your donation today. Many employers match charitable donations, doubling your impact. Your HR department can guide you or you can search for information on your company’s matching gift program.

The end of the year is also a time when people combine charitable giving with their financial planning. OCRA offers several ways for supporters to make an impact for others while benefitting their own portfolio.

• Donor Advised Funds (DAF) are like a philanthropic savings account administered by a qualified public charity. You can make contributions to the fund as often as you wish, receive an immediate charitable deduction, and recommend donations to OCRA.

• Stock donations can be up to 20% more valuable than selling the stock and donating the proceeds. You receive a tax letter for the full market value of the stock and avoid federal capital gains taxes. You or your financial advisor can make a stock gift online in less than five minutes or use our transfer information to make your gift.

• If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA account. For those 72 and older who need to fulfill a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) this year, an IRA gift can help you avoid a hefty tax penalty at the same time. Contact your IRA administrator directly to set up a transfer of funds or use this helpful online form.

Learn more about these giving options here or contact Brian Phair, Director, Donor Relations, via email or at 646-849-1904.