The Other Women's Cancer

The more than 22,000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the U.S. now have a powerful force in their corner in pursuing prevention and a cure. Ovations for the Cure, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and one of few foundations in the United States dedicated to ovarian cancer research, education, patient treatment, awareness and support, is that force. The belief that a unique form of cancer needs a unique form of support drives the foundation’s commitment to its mission:
The Ovations for the Cure Foundation is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of a cure for ovarian cancer in two critical ways: first, by proliferating broad-spectrum awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors and its subtle warning signs, and second, through the continued support of new and ongoing ovarian cancer research and treatment initiatives.

Ovations for the Cure Founder and President Patricia Franchi Flaherty

Funding new and ongoing research initiatives:

• Ovations established the Madeline Franchi Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, headed by Dr. Ursula Matulonis, Director of Medical Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Gynecologic Oncology Program
  
  
• Using BH3 profiling to one day shed light on the relationship between cancer cells, anti-apoptic proteins and cellular survival and turnover
  
  
• Studying key biological factors that may reveal how and where ovarian cancer begins
  
  
• Developing improved therapy regimens by exploring how current therapies react with other substances
  
  
• Studying molecular profiles and “signatures” of ovarian cancer in order to select improved targeted treatments for patients and help understand how ovarian cancer cells elude chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin
  

• Ovations established the Ovations for the Cure Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at Children’s Hospital Boston


• Driving new initiatives toward the identification and understanding of risk factors 
  
  
• Developing screening tests for ovarian cancer

• The Ovations for the Cure Ovarian Cancer Research Fund has been established at City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles, CA


• Following the mission of Ovations for the Cure, this fund will support ovarian cancer research and more specifically, PARP inhibitors
  

• Ovations for the Cure Research Fund at Dana Farber to support the twoAM Fund


• The twoAM Fund supports both ovarian and breast cancer research. The goal of the fund is not only to bridge the knowledge gap between the two diseases, but use the combined power of this community to further innovative research to conquer both diseases 
  

• Ovations for the Cure National Grant Program


• This national grant is awarded to approved programs that adhere to the Ovations for the Cure mission 
  
  

Groundbreaking treatment efforts, particularly:

• The Ovations for the Cure Desensitization Program
  
• Implemented at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, under the direction of Dr. Mariana Castells, allergist and researcher responsible for the program
  
• Developed by Dr. Castells as a life-saving process to desensitize ovarian cancer patients allergic to the chemotherapy agent carboplatin, one of the most effective chemotherapy treatment agents used against ovarian cancer
  
• Has, to date, the Ovations founder among its longest surviving ovarian cancer patients undergoing treatment through the desensitization process
  
• May be introduced to other medical facilities across the nation because of Ovations for the Cure
  

Extensive public education and awareness efforts, such as:

• Creation and distribution of Why Knowledge is Power ovarian cancer awareness brochures. To date, Ovations has contacted more than 3,000 physicians’ offices in 16 states and is continuing its outreach program state by state
  
  
• Development of public service announcements for television and radio, outlining ovarian cancer symptoms and how to support research and treatment efforts
  

Unique patient morale-boosting initiatives, including:

• 2nd Annual Learning for Living Ovarian Cancer Symposium—September 6, 2008: providing patients with the latest information and research on ovarian cancer. Sign up online today!
  
  
• Happy Feet program: providing complimentary, spirit-lifting Stuart Weitzman jellies to ovarian cancer patients undergoing treatment
  
  
• Providing an uplifting support network for patients and their caregivers
  

Innovative fundraising events for 2008 include:

• April 4th—Stuart Weitzman Fashion Show & Luncheon; Waltham, MA
  
• April 10th—Neiman Marcus Fashion Event: Martinis, Makeovers & a Mission; Boston, MA
  
• May 9th—Natick Collection Presents: “Sisterhood: Taking a Stand with Style” Carmen Marc Valvo Fashion Show & Luncheon; Natick, MA
  
• June through September—Happy Feet Virtual Walk; nationwide
  
• June 8th—WAR: Walk and Run against Ovarian Cancer; Wellesley, MA
  
• August 4th—Weston Golf & Tennis Tournament; Weston, MA
  
• August 20th—Warwick Country Club Golf Tournament; Warwick, RI
  
• September—Shop to Stop Ovarian Cancer; The Studio in Brookline, MA and other retail locations
  
• September 21st—Team Ovations / Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk
  
• September 27th—Maddie Chasing Butterflies Golf Tournament; South Easton, MA
  

Standing up for women in the fight against ovarian cancer!

As long as ovarian cancer takes a quiet approach, our research and awareness efforts must refuse to do the same. That is why your support is crucial—not just because our goals are great, but because the need for a cure is even greater. In so many ways, your commitment can translate into hope for the thousands upon thousands of women who will face ovarian cancer. By your acts of giving, we will save lives.

Because when we know more, we can do more.



1-866-920-OFTC (6382)     251 West Central Street, Suite 32 Natick, MA 01760