Friends: September was nothing short of extraordinary. Our community came together with passion and purpose for Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and together we not only met our fundraising goal but exceeded it — raising more than $370,000 to power research, strengthen patient support, and amplify advocacy for those who need it most.
Throughout the month, we shared a preview of some truly exciting initiatives on the horizon, including our upcoming Community Accelerated Research Exchange, a first-of-its-kind global platform connecting patients, researchers, and clinicians in a shared space to speed collaboration and discovery. I can’t wait to tell you more about all of it in the months ahead.
I also hope that you were able to learn more about our support and education programs for patients, families, and anyone impacted by gynecologic cancers — and that you will reach out. We’re here for you, always.
I am so grateful to you for standing with us. Together, we are building momentum that will carry forward well beyond September.
With gratitude,
Audra Moran, President & CEO, OCRA
BlackDoctor.org Features OCRA as it Underscores Importance of Genetic Testing
BlackDoctor.org tapped several OCRA community members for two new important videos — “Genetic Testing and Ovarian Cancer,” and “Genetic Testing and Ovarian Cancer Roundtable.” The pieces shed light on the importance of genetic testing and its significance for Black women, who face disproportionately high mortality rates from the disease.
In the first video, Kevin M. Holcomb, MD, FACOG, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital, explains how genetic testing can identify risk, guide early intervention, and improve outcomes, and shares information about OCRA’s free genetic testing program, which provides free kits for those who qualify.
The coverage continued with a Facebook Live featuring a roundtable discussion among Dr. Holcomb and OCRA community members Maxine Gordon-Williams, Kimberly Richardson, and Cheryl Scott. The piece also highlighted OCRA’s free genetic testing program.
OCRA’s Free Genetic Testing Program is generously supported by AstraZeneca, GSK, Merck, and Genentech.
OCRA’s Advocate’s Corner
Upon returning from its recess, Congress failed to meet a September 30th deadline to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2026 and the federal government was shut down. OCRA’s advocates are working hard to ensure our community’s needs are prioritized, and participated in two important opportunities to advance research at the federal level this month.
Catch up on what’s happening in OCRA’s Advocate’s Corner.
Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Advocate Leaders Program
Make your voice heard. No advocacy experience is required. The deadline to apply is October 17, 2025. Learn more and apply.
OCRA’s Advocate Leaders Program is generously supported by GSK, Merck, and AstraZeneca.
OCRA’s President and CEO Featured in OncoDaily
In a new OncoDaily feature, OCRA’s President & CEO, Audra Moran, spoke about the Global Ovarian Cancer Research Consortium, and the recent American Association for Cancer Research special conference on ovarian cancer research, for which OCRA served as Underwriting Sponsor.
OCRA’s Conference Videos Now Available
The full suite of educational videos from OCRA’s International Gynecologic Cancer Conference are now available on OCRA’s YouTube channel. Watch 20+ expert-led presentations covering the latest research and treatment updates, managing recurrence, navigating family communication, and much more. Browse the videos here.
OCRA’s conference is made possible with support from our sponsors.
New Support and Education Sessions
Express Yourself:
Bittersweet Joys
October 16th at 3pm ET
Register here.
Endometrial/Uterine Cancer 101 4-Part Workshop Series:
Begins November 3rd at 2pm ET
Learn more and register.
OCRA’s Patient Support Programs are generously supported by Genmab, Merck, GSK, and PMV Pharma, and by the Shirley Z. Johnson Trust. OCRA’s Workshops are generously supported by AbbVie and GSK.
In the News
- OCRA’s Ovarian Cycle Tampa event was featured on WTVT-TV FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Sarah DeFeo, OCRA’s Chief Program Officer, appeared on 760 WJR Radio’s Michigan Voices.
- WXYZ-TV 7 News Detroit, KSNT 27 News, and GeneOnline spotlighted Wrapped in Love and Kelly Ripa limited-edition socks to benefit OCRA.
- Susan Leighton, OCRA’s Director, Survivors Teaching Students, shared her story on the Overlooked podcast.
- BlackDoctor.org shared a video from its 6-part series with OCRA, featuring Dineo Khabele, MD, of OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, in its e-newsletter.
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram featured OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students Program.
- El Periódico USA highlighted OCRA’s Ovarian Cycle Rio Grande Valley event.
- Rare Cancer News shared OCRA’s initiatives and educational information for Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
- Black Health Matters shared OCRA’s information on prevention and risk.
Wrapped in Love and Kelly Ripa Offer Limited-Edition Socks to Benefit OCRA
Wrapped in Love partnered with multiple Emmy Award-winning talk show host, producer, New York Times Best Selling Author and actress Kelly Ripa to release a special pair of teal ovarian cancer awareness socks, with 100% of sales benefiting OCRA. The Limited-Edition Ovarian Cancer Awareness Sock is available exclusively while supplies last.
