As I write, I am about to depart for the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago. If you’re attending the ASCO meeting, stop by booth #2011 to say “hello” and pick up materials from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. We’ll post summaries of new ovarian cancer findings on our website and through the Teal Journal in the coming weeks.

We’re also gearing up for our Annual Conference, “Turning Promise Into Action,” which begins in just a few weeks. I hope you’ll join us at the conference and on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, July 12, to educate Congress about ovarian cancer.

We’re inspired by every survivor’s story, but Dorothy Erlanger really blew us away. This 60-year-old ovarian cancer survivor is tackling three triathlons in 2011 to raise money for ovarian cancer.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago this week or Washington next month. Remember: the Alliance is available to you anywhere, any time through our online community and website.

With warm regards,

Karen Orloff Kaplan
CEO, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR JULY 12 ADVOCACY DAY

When our community speaks, Congress listens. Join us on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, July 12, to tell your elected officials why ovarian cancer matters to you. Not sure what Advocacy Day will be like? Watch our short video to learn more.

Don’t delay: registration for Advocacy Day closes at midnight on June 3.

Questions? Contact David Zook at dzook@ovariancancer.org.

OVARIAN CANCER SURVIVOR’S TRIATHLON TRIFECTA

Like many people, Dorothy Erlanger used to “go to the gym for three weeks every January.” When ovarian cancer left Dorothy in a funk, she joined a group training for a modified triathlon–and she hasn’t stopped since.

This year, Dorothy has vowed to complete three triathlons (including an Ironman race this June)–all to raise funds for ovarian cancer. Dorothy recently shared with us why she picked the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance as one of the three organizations benefiting from her Triathlon Trifecta.

OCNA KEEPS YOU UP-TO-DATE ON OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH

Each June brings a wave of new cancer research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. Our staff is attending this year’s conference and will report back to you on studies that affect ovarian cancer patients.

The next issue of The Teal Journal will feature reports from ASCO and an in-depth feature about personalized medicine. Follow The Teal Journal on Facebook to be among the first notified when a new issue is published.

PARTNER MEMBER PROFILE: COLORADO OVARIAN CANCER ALLIANCE

The Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) was founded in June 2005 by a group of women with ovarian cancer who wanted to support one another and raise awareness of the symptoms of their disease. In the words of Pep Torres, the organization’s executive director, “They put their chemo brains together and they did it.”

Read more about the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

The talk in Washington this week is all about federal government spending–a vital issue for those who care about ovarian cancer. The House of Representatives made significant cuts to agencies that support cancer research and education, but the Senate is still debating a spending bill. Learn how you can make a difference below.

We are proud to announce a new partnership with MyLifeLine.org, a program that allows cancer patients to create free personal websites that keep family and friends informed.

We are also gearing up for an exciting array of events this spring and summer, beginning with the EIF Revlon Run/Walk in New York City on April 30.

I hope this newsletter inspires you to contact Congress, create your own website, or join an event this spring benefiting ovarian cancer.

With warm regards,

Karen Orloff Kaplan
CEO, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

HOUSE CUTS CANCER FUNDING; SENATE TO ACT THIS WEEK

In February, the House of Representatives passed HR 1, a continuing resolution that will keep the federal government running until October. The continuing resolution would cut funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

While no exact figures are known at this time, these agency-level cuts will inevitably lead to decreases in funding for important ovarian cancer programs.

The Senate must take action by March 18 to avoid a shutdown of the federal government. Thank you to our 523 supporters who told their senators that cancer funding is too important to cut.

It’s not too late to add your voice! Tell your senators to oppose any cuts to ovarian cancer research funding.

CANCER PATIENTS: CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE

A new tool available through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance website allows cancer patients to easily create and update a free personal webpage. Users can post updates on their treatment, organize a schedule for friends to help out,  share inspirational quotes and more.

The service, provided by MyLifeLine.org, was created by ovarian cancer survivor Marcia Donziger. While she was in treatment, Marcia was too tired to return all the phone calls from family and friends, but felt guilty for not staying in touch. She founded MyLifeLine.org to help other cancer patients experiencing the same problem.

These personal patient websites are free of charge to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance community. Click here to set up your personal site.

RUN, WALK OR CLIMB FOR OVARIAN CANCER

Spring and summer bring a slew of outdoor events benefiting the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

We are participating once again in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York City. Last year, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance registered the largest group for the event! Sign up or donate today and help us turn  Manhattan teal on April 30.

A dozen intrepid supporters will join experienced mountain climber Macon Dunnagan in Tanzania this September to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The group will carry a teal banner to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.

PARTNER MEMBER PROFILE: SANDY ROLLMAN FOUNDATION

Robin Cohen was working as an oncology nurse when one of her favorite patients, Sandy Rollman, passed away at age 33 from ovarian cancer. Robin’s work with Sandy and Sandy’s sister Adriana Way made her realize how few resources were available to women with this disease.

“It was hard to even find a survivor for her to talk to,” Robin recalls. While searching for support services in and around Philadelphia “I realized what wasn’t there.”

At an Ovarian Cancer National Alliance conference in September 2001, Robin attended a session on starting an organization at the local level. She went home and “did everything they said to do.”

Read more about the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

With record snowfalls across much of the country last week, many of you may be looking forward to the promise of spring. Here at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, we’re anticipating spring, too–and our many upcoming events and activities that support women with ovarian cancer.

We are educating new members of Congress about the importance of funding ovarian cancer research.

We are preparing for one of our most spectacular galas ever, featuring food and drink from 38 women chefs.

We are providing you, our community, with the latest information about ovarian cancer through our webinar series.

Read on to learn more about our efforts to educate, advocate and raise awareness about ovarian cancer.

With warm regards,

Karen Orloff Kaplan
CEO, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

OVARIAN CANCER ON CAPITOL HILL: OUR 2011 POLICY OUTLOOK

From the State of the Union address to the agenda set by the incoming House Republican majority, all signs point to a year of deep cuts in federal spending. Ovarian cancer advocates will likely face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness programs run by the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (Johanna’s Law and the Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative) and the Department of Defense’s Ovarian Cancer Research Program.

We are working simultaneously on appropriations bills for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. The federal government is currently funded through a continuing resolution that will expire on March 4, 2011.  The House and Senate must pass either another continuing resolution or the 2011 spending bills. If the House and Senate are unable to come to an agreement to do either, the government will shut down.

We expect the House to release a bill next week that could cut funding for programs in FY 2012 by at least four percent. Watch for emails from the Alliance in the coming days and weeks asking you to advocate loudly for federal funding of programs that benefit women with ovarian cancer.

WE’RE COOKING UP OUR BEST GALA EVER!

Women chefs across the Washington, DC, region are heating up their kitchens with dishes for our annual Turn Up the Heat Gala!

Join us February 15 at the Ritz-Carlton hotel for an evening celebrating ovarian cancer survivors. Noted food writer Bonny Wolf is our featured speaker, along with Dr. Michael Seiden, President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center.

View the list of participating chefs and purchase your tickets.

PARTNER MEMBER PROFILE: OVARIAN CANCER ORANGE COUNTY ALLIANCE

Laura Stecher founded the Ovarian Cancer Orange County Alliance (OCOCA) in 2003 with friends from her support group. Today, she is a ten-year survivor–and one of only three surviving from their original group of eight. Whenever Laura gets burned out from her work on ovarian cancer, something happens to reenergize her. “I feel like those five women are still with me, inspiring me,” she says.

Read more about OCOCA.

WEBINAR SERIES ADDRESSES YOUNG SURVIVORS, LATEST RESEARCH

Have you signed up for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Webinar Series? Our hour-long sessions bring national experts in advocacy, clinical trials, research, and more directly to you. You’ll hear the latest news and have a chance to ask your own questions about ovarian cancer.

Upcoming webinars focus on young survivors and new developments in ovarian cancer research. Sign up today to be part of the conversation!

Want to receive this information in your inbox? Sign up for our mailing list!

It’s not too late to join us in a Toast to Progress to honor the women battling ovarian cancer and remember the courage of those whose lives have been lost to the disease. In 2010, your contributions helped the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance reach numerous milestones. We ask for your support once again to make an even greater impact in 2011.

To view our 2010 accomplishments and our plans for 2011, click here.

To make a secure online donation, visit www.ovariancancer.org/donate.

WEBINAR SERIES

We have launched our first ever Webinar Series. This Webinar Series will educate you about a variety of topics including health care reform, science updates and how to be your own best advocate. You will hear from top doctors, experts, legislators and more.

The Webinar Series schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Developing and Integrating Fundraising into your Annual Plans
Teresa Smith, OCNA Board member and Development Fundraising professional

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Noon EST
Are Clinical Trials the Answer?
Dr. Ronnie Alvarez, Professor, OB/GYN, University of Alabama

Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Young Survivors Rock!
Lindsay Avner, Founder and Executive Director, Bright Pink
Chana Garcia, advocate, blogger and ovarian cancer survivor

Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Ovarian Cancer – What’s Basic? What’s New?
Dr. Robert Coleman, Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Getting Involved with Partner Members
Robin Cohen, OCNA Board Member and Partner Member
Sue Ellen Moore, OCNA Board Member and Partner Member

Click here to sign up for the Webinar Series and receive notification of future Webinars.

We know you will want to share this information with your family and friends so go ahead and forward the message. Don’t miss out … sign up today!

If you are interested in a specific topic that you do not see listed above, please email Liz White at lwhite@ovariancancer.org.

A CLOSER LOOK AT SURVIVORS TEACHING STUDENTS

Peg Ford, advocate and Survivors Teaching Students (STS) program volunteer, is coming up on her fourth anniversary of “NED”(No Evidence of Disease). She is still astonished at how much her life has changed since diagnosed with ovarian cancer the day before her birthday in 2007. Researching on the web, she uncovered the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives program. She was amazed to find that the program was not yet implemented in San Diego. Peg got to work to launch the program for the medical students at University California, San Diego School of Medicine (UCSD) in 2008. In two years, she expanded the program to include OB/GYN residents at UCSD and Naval Balboa Medical Center, as well as facilitated a presentation at the annual conference of the American Academy of Physician Assistants in 2009.

Thank you, Peg, for your dedication and continued support to increase awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

To learn more about the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s Survivors Teaching Students program and get involved, click here.

TEAL is the ovarian cancer community’s color and serves as a reminder that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the cancers of the reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death among women.

To find out what you can do this September to get involved, visit our September guide.

The United States of Teal campaign
United States of Teal is the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s campaign to raise awareness about ovarian cancer by gaining the support of state legislative leadership.

With our United States of Teal campaign we’re targeting all 50 state houses and asking legislators to pledge their allegiance to the fight against ovarian cancer. By signing a pledge card, they are letting their constituents know that they are committed to promoting ovarian cancer research, improving the lives of women suffering from ovarian cancer, and helping us raise awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms. Once a legislator pledges, we’ll turn his/her state teal on the United States of Teal web site (www.unitedstatesofteal.org). See the map below to see if your state has turned TEAL yet!

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.unitedstatesofteal.org.

What’s New?
Our Shop+Give Program
Some of our favortite retailers have teamed up with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance this September. A portion of the proceeds of selected TEAL items from the following retailers will benefit the work of OCNA: Macy’s, Chico’s, Ann Taylor Loft, PaperSource, RedEnvelope, DHC, Sketchers and Tom Shoes.

Click here to shop TEAL items from your favorite retailer! And Don’t forget to download the App for future online purchases.

Ovarian Health 101: National Teleconference

Be on the look-out …
Lifetime Television
Set your DVR’s! The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance educates the viewers of Lifetime Television about ovarian cancer. On Monday, September 13th at 7:00am EDT OCNA Board President, Annette Leal Mattern, will be featured on Lifetime’s morning show, The Balancing Act. Check your local listings for show times.

To watch a preview of the segment, click here.

Costco Helps Raise Awareness
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance would like to thank Costco for educating their shoppers about ovarian cancer this September. All 400+ Costco store locations will be running two of our Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) throughout the month of September on their high definition televisions. Be sure to check it out at your local Costco and thank the managers for their support!

To view all the inspirational stories and PSA’s, click here.

Upcoming Events

Wear TEAL Day!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Show your support by wearing TEAL the first Friday in September.

Lifetime Television’s The Balancing Act to feature OCNA Board President and ovarian cancer survivor, Annette Leal Mattern
Monday, September 13, 2010 at 7:00am EDT (Check your local listings)

Ovarian Health 101: National Teleconference
Monday, September 20, 2010 from 8:00pm-9:30pm EDT
RSVP to sarah@BeBrightPink.org

Teal Time in DC – three exciting opportunities!
1. Upstairs on 7th: Trunk Show with Ray Harris & Sissy Yates Designs  September 24-25, 2010
2. Gallery 555: Exhibit featuring Alan Binstock & Mila Kagan
Mid-September through Mid-October
3. Celadon Spa: Discounted services for those who donate to OCNA
Mid-September through Mid-October

14th Annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference
July 9-12, 2011
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

Click here for a full national calendar of events.

Help Make a Difference
To help the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance continue its programs and services, please make a donation this September. Every dollar counts in the fight against ovarian cancer. Visit www.ovariancancer.org/donate for more information.

What is the United States of Teal?

United States of Teal is the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s campaign to raise awareness about ovarian cancer by gaining the support of state legislative leadership.

How does the campaign work?

With our United States of Teal campaign we’re targeting all 50 state houses and asking legislators to pledge their allegiance to the fight against ovarian cancer. By signing a pledge card, they are letting their constituents know that they are committed to promoting ovarian cancer research, improving the lives of women suffering from ovarian cancer, and helping us raise awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms. Once they pledge, we’ll turn their state teal on the United States of Teal web site (www.unitedstatesofteal.org).

How can state legislative leadership get involved?

By signing the pledge card sent to them in a packet and agreeing to wear Teal in September (Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month), especially on Wear Teal Day (September 3rd).

In addition, they can help us spread the word about the United States of Teal campaign and Wear Teal Day by:
* writing a letter to the editor of their local paper
* authoring a blog post
* passing out symptom cards
* linking to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance website
* including a mention in their constituent newsletter; and
* submitting a floor statement into the record.

How can you get involved?

Contact your state leadership (names, contact information and a letter template are available at www.unitedstatesofteal.org) and encourage them turn your state teal by sending in their pledge card. You can also spread the word about ovarian cancer by writing letters to editor of your local paper or authoring or commenting on a blog post. Also, be sure to wear teal in September.

Where can I learn more?

To learn more about the campaign and to find out if your state has turned teal, visit www.unitedstatesofteal.org.

Survivors Teaching Students Update

Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives^SM (STS) is one of Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s flagship programs whereby we bring ovarian cancer survivors into the classrooms of nursing and medical students to share their personal stories and key information about the disease. Our goal is to personalize and bring faces to this deadly disease, while enhancing health professionals’ understanding of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors in order to facilitate earlier detection and diagnosis, when possible.

It is our honor to reintroduce you to STS program director Linda John, an ovarian cancer survivor herself and a true champion of our cause. Under Linda’s capable direction over the past year and a half, we have streamlined our organizational structure with regional coordinators, developed an enhanced pre- and post-evaluation screen, and implemented a new data system to help support the STS value proposition and the overall expansion of our program in schools around the U.S.

The evolution of our program is no surprise with Linda at the helm, as she comes with many distinguished awards and entrepreneurial experience allowing her to cultivate opportunities and implement impactful solutions. Continue reading here.

What’s New?

Dancing with N.E.D
This year’s Advocacy Day was documented by Spark Media, a production company based in Washington DC. Footage from OCNA’s Advocacy Day will be used in their upcoming documentary called Dancing With N.E.D. — the story of six GYN oncologists from across the country who formed an unlikely but one of the most talked about rock bands of the year called No Evidence of Disease (N.E.D.). The band’s mission is to give voice to their patients and to raise awareness and research funds for the disease they fight for a living.

The film’s title, Dancing With N.E.D., was actually born on Advocacy Day because of a conversation between Spark Media’s cameraman and advocate, Carole Fagella, from New Jersey. Carole explained that every woman in treatment for ovarian cancer looks forward to Dancing with N.E.D. The film producers immediately recognized this as the perfect metaphor for the dance between life and death that both the cancer patients and the doctors in the film wrestle with every day.

Click here to view the trailer … and keep an eye peeled for a small highlight reel from OCNA’s Advocacy Day shoot on our homepage.

Outside the Lines … of Love, Life and Cancer
At its core, Outside The Lines . . . of Love, Life, and Cancer is a survival guide that addresses multiple dimensions of cancer. Raw and vulnerable, it is often fearsome, at time sad, yet ultimately inspirational. This is more than a story of cancer. It is a story of family and friends bonded by incredible loss and infinite love. It is also a story of living life to its fullest and making choices as though every day is a most precious gift. The reader is taken on a most intimate journey, feeling firsthand the discovery of a deadly disease. The story is beautifully written by Annette Leal Mattern. Click to purchase.

All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the work of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Upcoming Events

Wear TEAL Day!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Show your support by wearing TEAL the first Friday in September.

Lifetime Television’s The Balancing Act to feature OCNA Board President and ovarian cancer survivor, Annette Leal Mattern
Monday, September 13, 2010 at 7:00am EDT (Check your local listings)

Teal Time in DC – three exciting opportunities!
1. Upstairs on 7th: Trunk Show with Ray Harris & Sissy Yates Designs September 24-25, 2010
2. Galery 555: Exhibit featuring Alan Binstock & Mila Kagan
Mid-September through Mid-October
3. Celadon Spa: Discounted services for those who donate to OCNA
Mid-September through Mid-October

14th Annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference
July 9-12, 2011
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

Click here for a full national calendar of events.

Hundreds of ovarian cancer survivors gathered at the
13th Annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference

The Power is Teal Conference hosted by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the largest ovarian cancer-specific conference in the country. Every year, this Conference brings together researchers, clinicians, survivors and caregivers to learn about the latest developments in diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.

This year, the Conference welcomed a record attendance at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, July 10-13. Leading authorities in ovarian cancer research provided insight into the progress being made in early detection and treatment of the disease, including Dr. Robert Coleman of MD Anderson Cancer Center; Dr. Michael Seiden, President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center; Dr. Barbara Goff of the University of Washington, School of Medicine; Dr. George Coukos of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Dr. Deborah Armstrong of Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

One of the signature events for attendees is participation in Advocacy Day. Survivors and family members met one-on-one with their elected officials and/or staff, to share their stories and ask for support on a number of federal issues essential to fighting this disease. If you could not join us on Capitol Hill, you can still take action.

Additionally, the popular play, I Got Sick Then I Got Better, written and performed by Jenny Allen was a hit!

Other conference highlights included a discussion of national clinical trials; a Remembrance Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives to ovarian cancer; an update on genetics; an overview of the Survivors Teaching Students program; and an Awards Ceremony celebrating the achievements of those who have contributed to the ovarian cancer community.

Mark your calendars! Next year’s Conference will be held July 9-12, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

(Please Note: The venue has changed for next year.)

Stay tuned to ovariancancer.org.  All the materials, flyers, campaigns and presentations you learned about at the Power is Teal Conference will soon be available.

What’s New?

Teal Ribbon Shaped Silly Bands

Join the latest craze with these cool teal ribbon shaped bands. They come in packs of 10 … and are sure to be a big hit at your next event! Click here to get yours today.

MyLifeLine.org

Founded by an ovarian cancer survivor, MyLifeLine.org provides free, customizable websites to empower cancer patients and caregivers to build an online community of friends and family to foster connection, inspiration and healing.

Start connecting with your healing community today!

From the Policy Department

First Lady helps DHHS unveil new guidelines

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance was invited to attend a small event yesterday where the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) unveiled new preventive services guidelines.

Under the guidelines, new insurance plans will cover numerous preventive screenings and services, including

• Colonoscopies
• HPV vaccination
• BRCA counseling
• Mammography
• Breast cancer chemoprevention counseling

Read the full story and view pictures.

Take Action on Capitol Hill

On July 13, more than 100 advocates walked the halls of Capitol Hill asking their legislators to support important ovarian cancer-related efforts. If you could not join us, you can still make a difference.

Click here to take action today!

Upcoming Events

Wear TEAL Day!

September 3, 2010

Show your support by wearing TEAL the first Friday in September.

Teal Time in DC – three exciting opportunities!

1.  Upstairs on 7th: Trunk Show with Ray Harris & Sissy Yates Designs
September 24-25, 2010

2.  Gallery 555: Exhibit featuring Alan Binstock & Mila Kagan
Mid-September through Mid-October

3.  Celadon Spa: Discounted services for those who donate to OCNA
Mid-September through Mid-October

14th Annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference

July 9-12, 2011

Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

This month’s Book Club Selection

Outside the Lines by Annette Leal Mattern

**This book will soon be available at our online store.