OCRF News

Ovarian Cycle: Riding To Change the Future of Ovarian Cancer
07/15/2010
Ovarian Cycle's "Ride to Change the Future," an indoor cycling event which challenges participants to six hours and 100 virtual miles of cycling to beat ovarian cancer, boasted its most successful year to date in 2010.  Founded seven years ago by well-known fitness instructor Bethany Diamond, the endurance challenge has raised more than $645,000 toward finding a method of early detection and a cure for ovarian cancer.

First Stop, Birmingham
February 28 marked the first stop on the tour, as 76 dedicated men and women laced up their cycling shoes and rode for the cause in Birmingham, Alabama.  A fundraising goal of $42,000 was set and surpassed.  By the time it was all over, participants raised more than $58,000, with proceeds split between Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and The Norma Livingston Foundation. 

Sherri Romanoff, an ovarian cancer survivor diagnosed in September 2009, was Birmingham’s top individual fundraiser, raising a total of $4,644.  Sherri’s team, Rainbow Riders, put in the extra legwork for fundraising, between them generating more than $32,000 – more than half of all funds raised in Birmingham.  Dr. Ronnie Alvarez of Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Gynecologic Oncology Group, spoke at the event, educating cyclists about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and the need for further research into early detection.  The event was covered by My Fox Atlanta.

Next Stop, Atlanta
The next stop for Ovarian Cycle was the Midtown Athletic Club in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 24.  Participation increased significantly from last year, as 206 riders turned out for the occasion.  Cyclists heard from Dr. Benedict Benigno of the Georgia-Tech based Ovarian Cancer Institute, and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s Katie Dillon was on hand to cheer on participants and answer questions about OCRF.  In all, $163,000 was raised and donated to OCRF and the Ovarian Cancer Institute.

Click here to view an interview with founder Bethany Diamond and speaker Dr. Benedict Benigno.

Next Stop, Tallahassee
Ovarian Cycle kicked off its first ever event in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 16.  Hosted by Good Friends Group Fitness, the event was organized by ovarian cancer survivor Kelly Smith of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of North Florida.  Ovarian Cancer Alliance of North Florida also co-sponsored the ride, as 31 participants turned out to support the cause in its first year.

Next Up, Colorado!
As September approaches and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month draws near, Ovarian Cycle looks forward to hosting their fourth and final indoor cycling event of the year in Colorado.  Date and location are to be determined.  More information will be available on the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund website, once established.

About Ovarian Cycle
The organization’s mission is to inspire people to fitness while raising awareness to support research leading to a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cycle is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. For more information please visit www.ovariancycle.org.
 

The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer has increased by only 8% in the last 30 years.
We are at a critical crossroads for supporting research into unlocking the mysteries of ovarian cancer. You can make a difference by supporting the research of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Help us find a cure for ovarian cancer. Donate online and make a difference.




Every day throughout September, OCRF will present one new fact about ovarian cancer.

1. In 1809 Dr. Ephraim McDowell of Danville, Kentucky became the first surgeon in the world to successfully remove an ovarian tumor. The patient survived the surgery and went on to live a long life.

2. Some researchers are investigating evidence for the premise that an effective therapeutic vaccine against ovarian cancer is useful not only for inducing remission of the disease but also for preventing disease relapse. (Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2010, 3:7, Liu, B., Nash, J., Runowicz, C., Swede, H., Stevens, R., and Li, Z.)

3. A woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 71, with most cases developing post-menopause.

4. The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling of fullness or urinary issues, can be subtle but are often present early.

5. Approximately 22,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.

6. Approximately 37% of OCRF grantees have been women; 43% are racial or ethnic minorities.