The Overview: October 2022

After a whirlwind September that saw many of you rallying your communities, spreading the word, and making a difference, we’re welcoming autumn, fall colors, and the chance to share some great new write-ups about the projects and programs your efforts are supporting. Read on!

Research

• Meet Dr. Ie-Ming Shih, OCRA grantee and SAC member who is striving to improve his patients’ lives in a number of ways. Discover how both his research and clinical practice inform his passion projects.

• Audra Moran, President & CEO of OCRA, appeared on PIX11 in New York City last month to share important information about ovarian cancer. Hear what she has to say on the importance of knowing your genetic history.

Advocacy

• OCRA is now accepting applications for 2023 Advocate Leaders! You don’t need legislative experience; just a thirst to make change for the ovarian cancer community. You’ll receive training on effective advocacy and become part of a vibrant group who is using their voice for change. Applications are due November 23^rd. Apply today! 

• ICYMI: Here’s a great write up of OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students program. While many focus on September as the month to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, there’s a group of dedicated volunteers working all year long to ensure that the healthcare providers of tomorrow have a strong knowledge of the disease.

Patient Support

• Get creative and gain community at an online expressive arts session open to anyone with ovarian or other gynecologic cancers. Each session combines a themed therapeutic art activity for all skill levels with a discussion facilitated by our oncology social workers. Materials are mailed to participants ahead of time. Learn more and register here.

• OCRA’s Clinical Trials Finder is the easiest way to find trials that may be right for you. The one-stop service provides information on current ovarian cancer clinical trials in the U.S. and Canada. You can search on your own, fill out an online form, or speak with someone directly. All will lead you to a personalized list of available clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, treatment history, and location. 

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has experts who develop the most up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. OCRA is a proud sponsor of the 2022 Ovarian Cancer Update. We believe ensuring access to clear, understandable information is critical. NCCN provides a wonderful guide that anyone who is newly diagnosed may want to have as a helpful tool in understanding the disease. This free Guidelines for Patients resource may be ordered here or on Amazon.

Events

• Hundreds of people from all over the United States and around the world gathered online for our Uniting for Hope Ovarian Cancer National Conference. Experts in the field shared valuable information on precision treatment, genetic and genomic testing, early detection, clinical trials, rare ovarian cancers, and so much more. Registered attendees can still watch the sessions, and next month, they will be available for the public to view on our website.

Ways to Give

• Thank you to everyone who donated to our Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month giving challenge. We exceeded our $300,000 goal! It’s never too late to give; support our search for better treatments and cure today. 

• More and more donors are making gifts of stocks and other securities because of the potential tax benefits and the chance to meet their philanthropic goals without reaching for their wallets. If you are 70 1/2 or older you are eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA without having the gift counted as taxable income. We have partnered with FreeWill, an online donation platform, to make it even easier to make stock and IRA gifts. As the end of the year approaches, it’s a great time to think about how this type of giving can benefit both you and OCRA.