Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Inc

Beyond our conference, ocra has additional patient education and support programs and engages in advocacy on behalf of women with gynecologic cancers. Our website is a comprehensive source of educational information, and throughout the course of the year we hold a series of free, educational webinars on a range of topics related to the latest research, treatment, and survivorship.ocra offers free genetic testing to qualified high risk individuals and facilitates access to certified genetic counselors. Since the launch of the program, ocra has helped over 3,000 people learn about their genetic risk for gynecologic cancer. Ocra's patient-support line is staffed by our social work team during business hours monday through friday and is available to anyone seeking information, support, patient navigation, or resource referrals (medical advice is not provided). Our woman to woman program is a peer-to-peer support program for women with gynecologic cancer. Ocra offers both a national woman to woman program and provides financial support to help hospitals and other organizations start local woman to woman programs, which are now at more than 19 sites across the country. Our staying connected support series, which launched in 2020, now offers four weekly workshops and three monthly workshops which provide all impacted by ovarian or related gynecologic cancers a way to learn, share, and connect. Our arts program-express yourself and book club- offers a combination of therapeutic arts, poetry, reading and creative expression, and community building activities with 1865 registered in 2024. Ocra partners with inspire.com to offer an online support community that has over 85,000 members world-wide.ocra is committed to encouraging the next generation of healthcare professionals to focus on the critical needs of those diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, whether at bench or bedside.through ocra's oncology social work field placement, we accept top master of social work candidates to train with our licensed clinical social workers to address the specific needs of our community.ocra's survivors teaching students (sts) program trains ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers to conduct presentations in medical education programs to educate future healthcare providers about ovarian cancer. Survivors share their stories of diagnosis, treatment and beyond, along with facts about the disease. In 2024, more than 980 survivor volunteers delivered 439 presentations in the us, uk, and australia reaching over 10,000 medical, nursing, and physician's assistant students. These presentations ensure the next generation of health care providers understand basic facts about the disease, are aware of risk factors, and can identify the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, helping ensure a timely diagnosis.ovarian cancer research alliance is a powerful voice on capitol hill, in statehouses around the country and with federal agencies for everyone touched by gynecologic cancer. Each year ocra plays a critical role in helping to secure more than $200 million in federal funding for ovarian cancer research and education. In addition, our growing advocate leader program trains members of the gynecologic cancer community to raise awareness through news articles and outreach, develop relationships with their elected officials, and fight for increased funding for gynecologic cancer research throughout the country.

Each year, ocra brings together ovarian cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at the international gynecologic cancer conference, a three day-long event filled with informational sessions featuring expert speakers, fun and community. In 2024, more than 600 people from all 50 states and 14 countries came together virtually for this event. The spirit of unity and hope is always strong and attendees can learn more about their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Sessions feature top ovarian and gynecologic cancer experts who generously give of their time, presenting the latest in treatments, research, managing recurrence, genetics, nutrition, caretaker and supporter care, support for young women, advocacy, and so much more.