The Supreme Court is poised to consider California v. Texas, which will decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — their decision could threaten health coverage for millions of people with pre-existing conditions, including ovarian cancer. OCRA is vigilantly monitoring this upcoming decision, and preparing strategies for addressing any outcomes that may threaten … Continued
US Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is the Chair and founder of the Congressional Ovarian Cancer Caucus. Established in 2015, the Caucus set out to raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and support for research. This was almost a decade after Representative DeLauro helped lead a bipartisan coalition to pass the original Johanna’s Law – also … Continued
An important victory for the ovarian cancer community came in 2006 when Congress passed Johanna’s Law. What is Johanna’s Law? Also known as The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, the legislation supports a variety of programs, research projects and activities at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at educating healthcare providers and … Continued
“Don’t settle” This simple two-word mantra is what guides Roxanne Bright – self-proclaimed dog mom, crafter, and 9-year ovarian cancer survivor from West Virginia who is on a mission to use her voice for good. “Once you’ve heard the word ‘cancer’ tied to your name, you don’t want to settle for anything less than a … Continued
The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) is a cutting-edge program housed within the Department of Defense. Despite a history of successful breakthroughs, the program has long been drastically underfunded. The House and Senate are currently working to determine funding levels for programs in Fiscal Year 2021. Urge your Members of Congress to support full funding … Continued
For many ovarian cancer patients, clinical trials offer a promising avenue for expanding treatment options and extending survival. Unfortunately, participation comes at a steep financial cost that is often prohibitive – even for patients with health insurance. Over 20 percent of cancer patients report out-of-pocket costs as a major barrier to joining a trial. The costs of … Continued
“When something is important to you. Be passionate about it. Stay in their face.” That was the advice Kandis Draw received from her mother over and over as she was growing up. She saw echoes of that statement reflected in the three women – Kandis’ mother and her two aunts (dear friends of her mother) … Continued
(June 16, 2020) Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. There is no effective screening tool and early symptoms are often vague, or altogether absent. Most cases are diagnosed in later stages, when treatment options are limited and chances for survival diminished. … Continued
To speak with Kimberly Richardson is to feel an instant camaraderie with someone who exhibits both calm and conviction, thoughtfulness and frank talk. She has learned a lot in the past 20 years – running triathlons, running a nonprofit in Chicago focused on small business development, teaching urban sociology as an adjunct professor – and … Continued
In 2005, Denise Lobodinski’s sister Renee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 47. That same year, their father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But her father’s doctor told Denise’s mother, “Don’t worry about your husband. Worry about your daughter.” In fifteen years, Denise feels like very little has changed in terms of … Continued
Sandy Sullivan has a favorite quote that she keeps pinned to her bulletin board. It reads, “If you’re lucky enough to get a second chance at something, don’t waste it.” It’s a powerful statement for anyone, but especially poignant for someone surviving ovarian cancer. And yet, Sandy has always lived her adult life – even … Continued
The novel coronavirus pandemic has impacted the healthcare system on every level. Right now, OCRA is working alongside several cancer advocacy groups to ensure government agencies are aware of COVID-19’s real-life impact on cancer patients. If you’re currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, please take a moment to complete the form below. Sharing your experience … Continued
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