Survivors Turn Sweet Treats into Enduring Support

Two ovarian cancer survivors found a way to make dessert even sweeter this past September. These OCRA Heroes transformed ice cream and baked goods into support for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community via two separate fundraisers marking Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – and personal milestones for each of them.

Baking Up Change

Casey Lefante went big in the most delicious way with her fourth baking fundraiser benefiting Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), giving people the option to donate at different tiers to an online fundraiser for the chance to win one of the following prizes – cookies, cake, pie, or a pastry box – all homemade by her in New Orleans. Baking has been the focal point for all of Casey’s fundraisers for OCRA, a natural choice since she brings both skill and passion to it.

“When I thought about how I could make a difference, I immediately thought of baking because it’s something I love to do, and it seemed like a great way to share my talents for a good cause,” said Casey, who is so devoted to baking that she started the website “Short Girl Tiny Kitchen” that offers up tips and encouragement alongside beautiful shots of her sweet creations. “Baking brings me peace, even when it gets hectic and there are sprinkles and bits of flour scattered across the countertop and floor.”

Casey hopes her support of OCRA will enable others impacted by gynecologic cancers to find a sense of tranquility, too. “I’m hopeful that my support — and the support of the many, many people who donated to my fundraiser — will provide current and future patients with the resources, research, and support necessary to come through the other side of a cancer diagnosis.”

The baking fundraisers have given Casey a way to turn her own experience with cancer into an opportunity to be there in a meaningful way for others going through it. “What defines me is not my ovarian cancer survivorship but, rather, what I do with it,” Casey said. “I’m so grateful to OCRA for making it possible for me and other community members to easily set up fundraisers,” she noted, sharing words of encouragement for anyone thinking of starting their own. “It’s just as much about raising awareness as it is about raising money, and if you help even one person consider getting genetic testing or seeing a doctor if something seems off, then you’ve made a difference.”

This year’s fundraiser held particular importance for Casey, seeing as it marked 20 years since she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “Twenty years is a huge milestone because I’m living the future that held so much uncertainty after my diagnosis,” Casey said. “I’m now completely cancer-free and committed to helping others get there, too!”

Scooping Up Solidarity

Joyce Casertino was also inspired to make a difference for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community because of a significant milestone of her own. “It was the 5-year anniversary of my diagnosis,” she said, noting that the date also carried special meaning since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

For her first fundraiser to benefit OCRA, Joyce chose a crowd favorite: ice cream. “I wanted it to be a family fun event,” she said. “What could be more fun than ice cream?” The idea came to Joyce after she treated herself to some celebratory scoops after completing her ovarian cancer treatment. She shared this fundraiser idea with her nurses, and they urged her to turn the concept into reality. This encouragement carried through to the event, with members of her medical team showing up to show their support on the day of the fundraiser, which took place at Gavin Park in Wilton, New York.

Joyce enlisted the help of four local ice cream shops – The Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-in, Dairy Haus, Stewart’s, and Ben & Jerry’s – who gave her 100 coupons for free scoops. She bundled the coupons with raffle tickets for items donated by other neighborhood merchants, with these special packets given to attendees who paid a $30 registration fee.

“The day was beautiful, full of sunshine and warmth,” Joyce said, noting that one highlight was the opportunity to take lessons on the spot from swing dancers. “It was joyful and happy; lots of fun and laughter.” After the success of this first fundraiser, which raised $7,100, Joyce is eager to turn it into an ongoing tradition. “I hope to make this an annual event.”

For Joyce, the day was about raising awareness as much as it was about raising funds. The event was featured on a couple of local television networks, with Joyce’s story and message reaching an even larger audience. She encourages others who are thinking of putting on their own fundraisers for OCRA to share their story, too. And for those who have been impacted by this disease, Joyce wants them to know they are not alone. “There is a sisterhood who knows how you feel.”