[2024-11-25] Ovarian Cancer Canada Board Meeting: Fall 2024

Today, I attended the fall in-person meeting of the Board of Directors of Ovarian Cancer Canada, where we received progress reports and discussed strategic opportunities.

I always appreciate the CEO's summary of key initiatives and accomplishments. Though I see some of them through social media, it's always impressive to review a consolidated list of the organization's achievements over the previous six months. A few highlights:
  • Almost $1.5 million is expected to be raised through the 2024 Walk of Hope.
  • Successful fundraising and engagement events were held in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Ovarian Cancer Canada launched an Understand Your Risk digital tool to help users understand their risk of ovarian cancer and prepare for discussions with their primary healthcare provider. Since the launch, more than 1,000 people have completed the tool.
  • Under the guidance of its Ovarian Cancer Prevention Task Force, Ovarian Cancer Canada developed educational materials (handouts and posters) on preventing ovarian cancer for primary care physicians, and distributed them across the country.
  • Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Cancer Research Society allocated more than $2.5 million in research.
I was also pleased to receive the organization's 2023-2024 report to the community: Accelerating Toward Real Change. A few highlights:
  • Over the past five years, Ovarian Cancer Canada has invested $14.6 million in 48 research projects across the country. The research focuses on developing better ovarian cancer research models, testing innovative treatments in pre-clinical trials, and running early phase clinical trials.
  • Through its Patient Partners in Research program, Ovarian Cancer Canada has helped ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are at the forefront of research. A 2024 survey of Canadian ovarian cancer researchers found that 84% "believe engaging patients provides a better understanding and insights into research gaps and priorities" and the same percentage "believe patients brought questions and insights the research team hadn't considered."
  • Tamara Rybkin established the Rybkin Family Fund, a $1 million donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada to advance research in understanding and eradicating high-grade serous ovarian cancer. This is the largest individual gift the health charity has ever received.
  • Ovarian Cancer Canada updated and expanded its Understanding Ovarian Cancer patient guide, which I wrote about in June. It covers everything from prevention to life after treatment.
But what I appreciated most from today's meeting is the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to a cause that's incredibly important. At every meeting or event involving Ovarian Cancer Canada, I'm reminded of how challenging a disease this is. I am inspired by Tamara Rybkin, who said:

I will not benefit from the life-changing outcomes of future research, but I am hopeful that, with my Family Fund, Ovarian Cancer Canada will create a future where women live freely, fully and uninhibited by this disease.

I hope to see that future and to play some small part in helping to make it a reality.