NEWS - Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

Know the
Symptoms of
Ovarian Cancer
• Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints
such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or
feeling of fullness
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequency and/or urgency of urination
Dedicated
to
advancing
research,
raising
awareness
• New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal bleeding
& finding a
cure
Every woman should undergo an annual rectal and vaginal pelvic examination. If an irreg-
for
ularity of the ovary is detected, or if some of the vague symptoms are expressed, further
testing should be performed. This may include a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal
sonogram. It is important to note that the PAP test is used to detect cervical cancer, NOT
ovarian cancer. If you are concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer, you should speak
H PE
News from The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
Medical News
OCRF LAUNCHES THE PROGRAM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AWARD
ovarian cancer.
to your gynecologist for more information.
For more information or to receive a free information packet, call OCRF at
1-800-873-9569
or go to
Winter 2004/2005
www.ocrf.org
Jonathan Berek, M.D. (second from right)
with some of his research team at UCLA
OCRF is proud to announce its newest scientific initiative which supports multidisciplinary
groups of investigators seeking to establish large ovarian cancer research programs and
develop program project grant applications for submission to peer-review funding agencies
such as the NCI, PO1, SPORE, DOD. This award may involve several investigators within one
institution or collaborations between groups in multiple institutions. Areas of emphasis include
screening and early detection, etiology and prevention, molecular therapeutics, cancer
biology and genetics. Through this program, OCRF will provide a three-year grant of up to
$300,000 per annum with the expectation that the initial research performed with these start
up monies will be matched many fold when additional funding is later obtained from the
National Cancer Institute and/or other groups.
Medical News continued on page 4
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
14 Pennsylvania Plaza
Suite 1400
New York, NY 10122
PAID
OCRF CELEBRATES
10 YEARS!
SEE PAGE 3 FOR STORY.
NEW YORK, NY
Permit No. 7131
Inside
Letter from OCRF
Executive Director . . . . 2
OCRF Turns 10 . . . . . . . 3
Medical News (cont) . . . 4
Individual Investigator
Awards . . . . . . . . . . 5 & 6
Super Saturday (cont) /
Fundraising News . . . 7-9
Super Saturday Another Tremendous Day!
Super Saturday 7 broke another record, raising close to $1.8 million!
We would never have been able to achieve this triumph without the
continued support of Donna Karan, Charla Lawhon and In Style
magazine. Donna has personally underwritten Super Saturday since
1998, when the event was founded, and this year was In Style’s
fourth year of sponsoring this exciting day. The event was hosted by
the wonderful Kelly Ripa and held on July 31st at beautiful Nova’s
Ark Project in Water Mill, NY.
Super Saturday continued on page 7
OCRF Spotlight . . . . . 10
( 2 1 2 ) 2 6 8 - 1 0 0 2 ( 8 0 0 ) 8 7 3 - 9 5 6 9 w w w. o c r f . o r g
Super Saturday co-host Kelly Ripa
and her son Joachin
Founded in Memory of
Ann Schreiber
With Special Tribute to
Liz Tilberis
(President, 1997-1999)
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Faith Kates Kogan
President
Sol Schreiber
Founder & Co-Chair
Carmel Jonathan Cohen, M.D.
Chair
Peter R. Dottino, M.D.
Vice President
Edward Labaton
Secretary
Louis Kogan
Treasurer
Donna B. Nadler
Andrew Tilberis
Linda Yarden
Members of the Board
Susan D. Bazaar
Susan Bershad, M.D.
Jacqueline Bianco
Lisa Brown
Jeannette Chang
Nancy Davis
Kathryn L. Edmundson
Andrew Feuerstein
Marie Field
Janet C. Fisher
Michelle Gerson
Maria Gordian, M.D.
Mindy Gray
John Hansbury
Cindy Harrell-Horn
Sandy Herman-Horowitz
June Jacobs
Sherry Jacobson
Thomas C. Liebman
Kyle MacLachlan
Dana L. Mark
Ylain Mayer
Christine E. McLaughlin
Mara Burros Sandler
Judith Schwartz, M.D.
Tracey Ullman
Patti Webster
Barbara J. Weiss
Robin Zarel
Laura D. Zemmel
Mission &
History of
OCRF
The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc.
(OCRF) is a not-for-profit organization that
was founded in December 1994 to honor the
memory of Ann Schreiber, a distinguished
public administrator who lost a courageous
five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
OCRF is devoted to the formulation of early diagnostic treatment programs and research
toward the ultimate conquest of ovarian cancer. As we strive to find a cure, we also seek
to support patients and their loved ones in understanding this disease and its treatments
as well as to provide educational outreach programs and raise awareness through the
media and joint ventures with other organizations.
Letter from
the Executive Director
This is a very special issue of HOPE, commemorating
OCRF’s 10th anniversary. It is remarkable for us to think
about how far we have come in ten short years and what
Jamie Boris (left) with staff colleagues
Craig Rosati and Louisa Terry
tremendous strides we have made in the fight against
at a recent fundraising event
ovarian cancer. In 1998, when I joined OCRF, we made our
first grant awards to six young investigators for a total of $300,000. This year, OCRF will award
over $3 million to support the most cutting-edge research in the country. In total, we have
funded 62 investigators at 26 leading medical institutions across the country. These are
accomplishments that we should all be proud of — ones that we could have never achieved
without your continued support and dedication.
Over the past decade, we have found our inspiration in the women who are valiantly facing
ovarian cancer and in those who have regrettably lost their lives to the disease. Their heroism
is the foundation of our organization. And for ten years, we have drawn our strength from
the love and support of their friends and families. We have also been immensely fortunate that
so many corporations — both large and small — have embraced our cause. Their
commitment and loyalty has allowed us to reach a national audience and raise much-needed
funds for research.
On behalf of all of us at OCRF, we thank you for being an invaluable part of our organization
and for sharing our milestone celebration with us. We are so grateful for your generosity and
we look forward to another year of promise and hope. We wish you and yours the very best
for this holiday season.
OCRF
turns10!
T
his December, The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
(OCRF) celebrates its 10-year anniversary and ten years
of progress in the fight against ovarian cancer. Since its
inception, OCRF has dedicated itself and its resources to funding the best researchers in the country and helping them discover new
diagnostic tools, novel therapeutic regimens and ultimately a cure.
In December 1994, Sol Schreiber created The Ann Schreiber Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (later renamed The
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund) in memory of his wife Ann, and her heroic five-year battle with the disease. He started the organization with the support of Ann’s doctors and some friends, and $100,000 from his own bank account.
His dream was to create an organization to help foster scientific research and increase awareness of ovarian
cancer. A decade later, OCRF has become a major contributor to groundbreaking research in the detection,
prevention, and management of ovarian cancer by funding talented investigators at many of the finest academic
institutions throughout the United States.
Here is a highlight of our most significant accomplishments:
Ann Schreiber
Raising more than $22 million dollars in support of our mission
since 1998
Becoming the country’s leading independent private funder of
ovarian cancer specific research
Assembling a dedicated and esteemed Scientific Advisory
Committee made up of nine of the nation's leading gynecologic
oncologists and researchers
Awarding grants to the following outstanding scientific
investigators who are breaking new ground every day to
eradicate ovarian cancer:
Funding seminal research that has been presented and
published in some of the world's most prestigious forums
Carol Aghajanian
Christina Bandera
Jonathan Berek
Molly Brewer
Paul Cairns
Ilana Cass
Setsuko Chambers
Jeremy Chieh
Penny Clarke
David E. Cohn
Denise Connolly
Fergus Couch
George Coukos
Ronny I. Drapkin
Wael ElShamy
Xiang-Jun Fang
Robin Farias-Eisner
Abbie Fields
Thomas F. Franke
Andrew K. Godwin
Barbara Goff
Robert Giuntoli
Robert J. Hickey
Laura Havrilesky
Wei Hu
Kuan-Chun Huang
Naomi Hunder
William Irvin
Steven W. Johnson
Barry Kacinski
Kimberly Kalli
Working with the late and beloved Liz Tilberis, who served as
president of OCRF from 1997-1999, to advance the
organization and raise awareness of ovarian cancer through her
editorship of Harper’s Bazaar and her memoir No Time To Die
Creating the first-ever educational supplement on ovarian
cancer to appear in a national magazine (Harper’s Bazaar 1998)
Developing national awareness and fundraising partnerships
with corporations including Donna Karan New York, L’Oréal
Paris, Federated Department Stores, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,
Miss USA, In Style, Lord & Taylor, Fresh, ECHO Design Group,
Brooks Brothers, Reebok, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Henri Bendel
Uniting the fashion, beauty and publishing communities around
our cause
Producing high-profile and lucrative fundraising events such as
Super Saturday and the Legends Gala, which combined, have
raised over $10 million dollars for research
Creating the first-ever national television, radio and print Public
Service Announcement for ovarian cancer in 2004
Jamie L. Boris
Executive Director
OCRF Staff
Jamie Boris
Executive Director
Tracy E. Enright
Craig Rosati
Kira E. Siebert
Louisa D. Terry
Teaming up with wonderful individuals from across the country
to create special projects and fundraising events in honor of
their loved ones
Supporting critical awareness and support programs developed
by various national and local organizations across the country
2
3
Dineo Khabele
Jonathan M. Lancaster
Timothy Lane
Douglas A. Levine
Rebecca Liu
Karen H. Lu
Robert Lucito
Parameshwar J.
Mahasreshti
Susan K. Murphy
Honami Naora
Farr Nezhat
Shu-Wing Ng
Iman Osman
Christos Patriotis
Richard Pietras
Elizabeth Ann Poyner
Monique Spillman
Elizabeth Swisher
Christine Szarka
Chris Taylor
Karen M. Vasquez
Anda Vlad
Jon Wiener
Xiang-Xi, M. Xu
Yosef Yarden
Bin Ye
Gary Yiu
Jingwei Yu
Lin Zhang
Changping Zou
Program Project Development Awards
continued from cover page
We congratulate our two 2004 program award recipients Dr. Jonathan Berek and Dr. Carol Aghajanian and their teams
and are delighted to profile their work.
P R OJ E C T O N E
Cooperative Ovarian Cancer Group for Immunotherapy
Project Director: Jonathan Berek, M.D., MMSC
The University of California at Los Angeles
The project led by Dr. Berek focuses on immunotherapy and vaccine development and the creation of the Cooperative Ovarian Cancer Group for
Immunotherapy (COGI) for which Dr. Berek serves as the Group Chair. The
program project will be coordinated by the investigators of the UCLA Women’s
Jonathan S. Berek, M.D.
Reproductive Cancer Program, the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA,
the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Jonsson Cancer Center.
The program project grant supports research in antigen discovery, immunotherapy and vaccine development. The grant
also sustains the translational and clinical applications of the laboratory research. The investigators will collaborate on the
preclinical development of immunogenic peptide epitopes for use as vaccines and use the most relevant immunopeptide
strategies for therapeutic trials. Cell-cycle regulatory proteins and HLA-DR binding peptides derived from ovarian cancerassociated antigens assayed with patient-derived T cells are used to identify immunogenic peptide epitopes for cancer
vaccine development. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes isolated and expanded from ovarian cancers are screened for
reactivity against putative tumor-associated antigens in women with ovarian cancer.
In addition to the UCLA investigators, the program project includes researchers at the Harvard Medical School, the
Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the MD Anderson Cancer Institute,
the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. The researchers
will also collaborate with the Ovarian Cancer Program Project awarded to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
and the Cornell University School of Medicine.
P R OJ E C T T W O
Novel Approaches to Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Project Director: Carol Aghajanian, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund has awarded a Program Project Development Grant to
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for the study of Novel Approaches to Ovarian
Cancer Treatment under the direction of Dr. Carol Aghajanian. The goal of the Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center program is to increase the knowledge of ovarian cancer
Carol Aghajanian, M.D.
biology and translate that knowledge into improved molecular therapeutics for women with
ovarian cancer. The program is divided into four projects. The first project will be directed by
Dr. David Spriggs. This project is a drug discovery program, looking at the role of modifying messenger RNA transcription and its resultant role in key protein production. The second project, directed by Dr. Malcolm Moore, will evaluate the
telomerase inhibitors and their effect on ovarian cancer. Telomerases are a key part of the cellular machinery that allows
for growth and division. Project three, under the direction of Drs. Neal Rosen and David Solit will explore the importance
of signal transduction pathways in ovarian cancer. The complexity of signaling networks, which have redundant relay systems, decreases the probability that any one inhibitor will be successful in ovarian cancer. This project will be vital to the
rational combination of agents in clinical trials. The fourth project, under the direction of Dr. Robert Darnell will investigate
tumor immunity in ovarian cancer by studying a unique example of naturally occurring ovarian cancer immunity called a
paraneoplastic syndrome. Specific antigens found in this project can be brought forward as potential treatments. The
overall culmination of the above projects will be to bring new treatments and treatment combinations into the clinic.
4
OCRF’S 2004
Individual Investigator
Award Recipients
This September, OCRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee bestowed $50,000 grants to six scientists and clinicians as part of the Individual Investigators Award
Program. We congratulate these talented researchers and invite you to read, in their own words, about their cutting-edge investigations.
cellular and physiological processes. Cell surface proteins that are
at high levels in ovarian tumors can serve as cancer markers for
early detection. They are also the preferred targets for the
development of pharmacologically and toxicologically active
substances. In order to identify potential ovarian cancer cell surface markers, we propose to employ an innovative high-throughput two-dimensional ProteomLab PF2D system to fractionate
and compare the membrane proteins from normal human
ovarian cells and tumor cells. The gel-free system employs
reversed-phase chromatography to fractionate membrane proteins and allows detection of proteins of low abundance. With the
application of this and other fluorescent labeling and separation
strategies on large-scale comprehensive and quantitative screen
of cell surface proteins, it is expected that potential tumor markers can be identified. Novel antibodies specific to the identified
cancer markers can be developed for diagnostic and therapeutic
purposes, and may thereby improve the overall survival of
ovarian cancer patients.
Wael ElShamy, Ph.D.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Consequences of IRIS Over-Expression
in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells
This grant has been funded by an anonymous donor.
In some families, ovarian cancer is caused
by the inaction of the tumor-suppressor
gene, BRCA1. We have discovered a
Wael ElShamy, Ph.D.
second BRCA1 locus produced protein,
that we have named IRIS. This protein is made using only part of
the BRCA1 gene, and includes parts of the gene not found in
BRCA1. The function of IRIS is not fully understood, but we
believe IRIS plays an opposite role in the life of ovarian cells, stimulating the growth and dispersion of these cells. We also found
that IRIS over-expression in normal ovarian epithelial cells leads to
dramatic down-regulation in the expression of the ovarian tumor
suppressor, Disabled-2 (Dab-2). Conversely, inhibition of IRIS in
ovarian cancer cell lines that overproduce and show no
detectable levels of Dab-2 leads to the restoration of Dab-2
expression. We believe that IRIS in this way contributes to
ovarian cancer growth and spread.
Richard Pietras, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
Antiangiogenic Therapy for
Human Ovarian Cancer
We propose to investigate the role IRIS plays both in laboratory
cells and in actual ovarian cancer tissue from women treated in
our clinics. We will determine when IRIS is active, in which
cancers IRIS is active, and study the consequences of IRIS. We
will inhibit IRIS and study the phenotype of the re-expressing
Dab-2. In these ways, we hope to learn exactly what this gene is
doing, hidden within the shadow of its BRCA1 parent. We believe
IRIS is a dangerous cancer-causing gene, and may be the target
of future treatments of ovarian and breast cancers.
This grant has been made possible in part by a gift
from ovarian cancer support group Caring Together,
Inc. in Albany, NY.
The growth and metastasis of ovarian
cancer depends, in part, on formation of an Richard Pietras M.D., Ph.D.
adequate blood supply to transport needed oxygen and nutrients to the growing tumor mass. This process
of tumor-associated angiogenesis is regulated by growth factors,
such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that stimulate
the proliferation of blood vessels. VEGF is produced and secreted by ovarian cancers, including those with activated tumor
growth factor receptors, such as HER-2 and EGF receptors.
Inhibitors of these tumor growth factor receptors can reduce
VEGF secretion from tumors to stop angiogenesis and, thereby,
slow cancer growth. We hypothesize that a more complete
blockade of tumor angiogenesis can be elicited by combined
treatments that disrupt the proliferation of tumor blood vessels by
different mechanisms. We will assess the antitumor effects of
antibodies targeted to bind with and disrupt the functions of
Shu-Wing Ng, Ph.D.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Membrane Profiling in Ovarian Cancer
Early detection and early intervention is
critical to the survival of ovarian cancer
patients. Cell membrane proteins are
essential mediators of material and information transfer between cells and their
environment, and play crucial roles in many
Shu-Wing Ng, Ph.D.
5
Investigator Awards continued on next page
Chris Taylor, Ph.D.
Georgetown University
DNA Vaccines in Ovarian Cancer
This grant has been made possible in part by a gift
from ovarian cancer support group Caring Together, Inc.
in Albany, NY.
Ovarian cancer poses a significant clinical
challenge. Most women present with later
stage disease for which there are no proven
Chris Taylor, Ph.D.
and reliable treatments. In addition,
chemoresistance, or multidrug resistance, is a common feature
of most recurrent ovarian cancers. DNA vaccines provide an
exciting new possibility for using the body’s own immune system
to attack the cancer and /or the cancer associated vasculature.
Elizabeth Swisher, M.D.
University of Washington
Angiogenic Alterations Leading
to Circulating Tumor DNA
in Women with Ovarian Cancer
The proposed study takes advantage of our mouse model of
ovarian cancer to perform research into the use of DNA based
vaccines targeting either the ovarian cancer, the developing
cancer associated vasculature, or both, as a new means of treating widely disseminated and drug resistant ovarian cancer. DNA
encoding for proteins such as Her2/Neu, a cell surface protein
often over expressed in ovarian cancer, will be used as vaccines
in order to stimulate immune reactions that should target the
tumor cells specifically for cell killing by the animal’s own immune
system. The second approach is to design similar vaccines
targeting the newly forming cancer associated vasculature, thus
starving the cancer cells and causing their ultimate demise.
Ovarian cancer is unusual among intraabdominal epithelial cancers in that it
rarely spreads through the bloodstream
Elizabeth Swisher, M.D.
to different sites. More commonly, ovarian
cancer spreads locally in the abdominal cavity. Recent work in
our laboratory identified tumor-specific, cell-free DNA in the
plasma of patients with ovarian cancer. One third of ovarian
cancer patients had circulating tumor-specific DNA. Circulating
tumor DNA was correlated with worse survival rates and the
development of subsequent brain metastases. We propose
that alterations in angiogenic factors explain the worse prognosis and increased metastatic potential of cases with circulating
tumor DNA.
If successful this research would provide a proof of principle that
DNA vaccines can be an effective mode of treatment in
advanced ovarian cancer and recurrent drug resistant ovarian
cancer, cancers which to date have proven very resistant to
conventional therapies.
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is critical in
tumor growth and metastasis, allowing tumor cells access to
nascent blood vessels. Angiogenic factors have been associated
with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. We will examine the
stability of the small blood vessels near and within ovarian
cancers and assess expression of genes and proteins involved in
ovarian cancer angiogenesis in two groups of ovarian cancers:
those from patients with circulating tumor DNA and those
without. We expect that tumors from women with free tumor
DNA in plasma will show decreased host vascular stability and
alterations in angiogenic factor gene expression that correlate
with worse survival. The lack of understanding of ovarian tumor
biology and metastasis has hindered efforts to improve survival,
as most women relapse and die of chemoresistant disease.
Testing the relationship of free tumor DNA in plasma and ovarian
tumor angiogenesis will provide a previously unexamined basis
from which to gain unique insights into ovarian tumor biology.
Anda Vlad, M.D. Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh
Immunotherapy of Ovarian Cancer
Using MUC1 Glycopeptides
This research focuses on developing a
vaccine for ovarian cancer. To have an
effective cancer vaccine, it is important to
identify molecules on tumor cells that the
Anda Vlad, M.D., Ph.D.
human immune system can see as foreign
(tumor antigens), and use them in vaccine preparations to induce
a strong immune response that will specifically destroy tumor
cells that express this molecule and not normal cells. Such
immune responses are carried by several types of cells in our
immune system, some of which (like T lymphocytes, for example)
are of particular importance at the tumor site.
Investigator Awards continued on page 11
6
Fundraising
NEWS
Happy Shoppers
Lisa Birnbach and
Loraine Boyle
Helen and Tim Schifter
with their daughter
Super Saturday photos by Patrick McMullen
tumor growth factor receptors and VEGF. In addition, we will test
the potential clinical utility of squalamine, a naturally-occurring
compound that has been designated by the FDA as an orphan
drug with potential for antitumor and anti-angiogenesis effects in
ovarian cancer. Use of these agents in combination will be
explored to elicit optimal blockade of ovarian cancer progression.
It is hoped that these studies will lead to new approaches for
suppression of ovarian cancer and tumor-associated ascites,
resulting in an improved quality of life for afflicted patients.
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Investigator Awards, continued from previous page
Super Saturday
Heidi Klum
continued from cover page
Kyle MacLachlan
and Desiree Gruber
Throughout the daylong event, 2,500
attendees shopped at the designer “garage”
sale, which included high-end clothing,
beauty products, accessories, and items for
the home at 30-50% off retail. Fabulous
designers and home furnishing companies
such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein,
Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg,
John Varvatos, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade,
Michael Kors, Valentino, Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole and over
200 more designers donated their goods knowing that all
proceeds would benefit OCRF.
Guests with their
goodie bags!
Christy Turlington
In addition to the sale, Super Saturday
entertained families with activities
including an amazing raffle, a Toys “R” Us
Managing Editor of In Style Charla Lawhon (left), OCRF Board
Member and actor Kyle MacLachlan, Managing Editor of
kids’ carnival, the Dyson Vacuum
People Martha Nelson, and In Style editor Cindy Weber Cleary
Challenge, an Old Navy Cool for School
booth, a Billy’s Bakery decorate-your-own sweets tent, snacks, drinks, arts and crafts,
and much more. Guests also had their pictures taken in the In Style photo booth, makeup
touch-ups and massages courtesy of SPArty and manicures by Essie Cosmetics.
Thank you to all participants, volunteers, and guests. To see a complete list of participants,
including raffle and goodie bag donors, please visit www.supersaturday.info. And don’t
forget to mark your calendars for Super Saturday 8 — July 30, 2005!
Ovarian Cycle Century Ride
MAY 15, 2004 • ATLANTA, GA
OCRF was thrilled to be the primary beneficiary of this
special indoor cycling event. The “Ride to Change the
Future” was a special celebration where participants
cycled for 100 miles on indoor bikes to raise money
for ovarian cancer research. Each rider received
pledges and support from their families and friends as
Ovarian Cycle riders at the beginning of the ride
they trained over a 10 week period for the exciting and
Bethany Diamond cheering
challenging final ride on May 15th. We are pleased to
on the riders!
report that every participant finished the ride, which was held at two different sports clubs in
Atlanta, and over $70,000 was raised! The day was great fun with lots of music, food and prizes for the top fundraisers.
Ovarian Cycle, continued on next page
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CONTINUED
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Reebok Women’s Triathlon
Ovarian Cycle Century Ride continued
from previous page
The driving force behind this incredible day was Bethany Diamond, a well-known fitness instructor and
member of the Nautilus Fitness Academy from Atlanta. After Bethany lost a dear friend, Debbie Flamm, to
ovarian cancer, she was inspired to make a difference and encourage people to get fit all at the same time.
The Ovarian Cycle established itself as a non-profit organization and formed a Board of Directors, who rallied
friends and colleagues for this first time event. Plans are underway for the 2005 Century Ride in Atlanta, and
everyone is invited to join in — both men and women — and no cycling experience is necessary!
Visit www.ovariancycle.org to become involved and help both OCRF and the Ovarian Cycle!
Kaleidoscope of Hope (KOH) Walkathons
SEPTEMBER 19 & SEPTEMBER 26, 2004 • MORRISTOWN, NJ AND LYNDHURST, NJ
The Kaleidoscope of Hope’s fifth annual Morris County walkathon drew record numbers
and was a glorious day for raising money and awareness to fight ovarian cancer.
This year, to accommodate the foundation’s growing number of supporters, a second
walk was held in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Together, these popular walks raised over
$170,000 for the Kaleidoscope of Hope’s programs. OCRF is honored to once again be
a beneficiary of these walks and looks forward to continuing its work with KOH’s founders
Gail MacNeil, Lois Myers and Patty Stewart and the committed walkers who help to
make these walkathons a success.
The second annual Reebok Women’s Triathlon Series was a huge success —
raising $150,000 for OCRF! This year’s series had record attendance in our
established cities of St. Petersburg, Florida, Naperville, Illinois, and San Diego,
California, as well as a great inaugural race in Seattle/Federal Way, Washington.
The races are perfect for any level of fitness and can be done individually or as a
relay. The fantastic members of Team Vector
St. Pete Swimmers
led the way with their spirit and their
fundraising. To become a member, all you have
to do is agree to raise $500 for OCRF, and in return you will receive on-line and in-person
coaching, Reebok athletic gear, a VIP reception at the finish line, and your own webpage.
OCRF extends its appreciation to all that participated in this incredible program. Please go to
www.ocrf.org for information on the 2005 series.
Seattle Team Vector after the race!
Special thanks to the
top 5 Fundraisers
for Team Vector
Susie Fragnoli - San Diego - $18,350
Kristin Zellmer - San Diego - $8,000
Nancy Blocker - St. Petersburg - $5,900
Sheila Bermudez - St. Petersburg - $5, 800
Mary Anne Kobylka - Seattle - $4,800
The San Diego finish line
Taking steps to save lives: walkers at the Loantaka Brook
Reservation in Morristown, NJ
2nd Annual Janet Burros Memorial Golf Tournament
SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 • LAKE SUCCESS, NY
Mara and Ricky Sandler and Chet Burros hosted another successful golf tournament at the Fresh Meadow Country Club
in Lake Success, New York and raised over $440,000 for OCRF. The event was held in memory of the beloved Janet
Burros, Mara and Chet’s mother, who battled ovarian cancer for five
years. With a record number of supporters, the tournament benefited
from a beautiful day and added excitement when one of the players hit
a Hole-in-One and won a Porsche 911 provided by Manhattan Motor
Cars! At the cocktail reception following the tournament, the live
auction of incredible prizes (including golf at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club,
Deepdale and the Atlantic Golf Club), raised over $50,000. We at OCRF
are indebted to the Sandler and Burros families who have dedicated
themselves to raising such an unprecedented amount for OCRF’s
research programs. We also would like to extend a
special thank you to John Huzarsky, who served
as auctioneer, and to all of the companies and
Golfers at the practice tee
individuals that donated to the tournament.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
THE WEDDING SALON > APRIL 26, 2005
New York City brides and grooms take notice! For the second year in a row, The Wedding SalonTM
, presented by 4PM
Events, will take place at Gotham Hall and OCRF is the beneficiary of the silent auction. The Wedding Salon is a luxury
wedding showcase, featuring must-have products and services for the sophisticated bride and groom. Meet with the
finest companies to help you plan your wedding. See the spectacular display of cakes, gowns, calligraphers, wedding
bands, floral arrangements, romantic honeymoon destinations, and more. Tickets are $125 per person or $150 per
couple. To purchase tickets through OCRF, please call Tracy Enright at 212-268-1002 or 1-800-873-9569.
2005 REEBOK WOMEN'S TRIATHLON > SUMMER AND FALL 2005
www.reebokwomenstriathlon.com for dates and cities!
SUPER SATURDAY 8 > JULY 30, 2005
>
WATER MILL, NY
www.supersaturday.info for more information
Pat Gately (left), Chet Burros, Mara Burros Sandler
and Hole-in-one winner Chris Daly
8
A view of Super Saturday from the ferris wheel!
9
Investigator Awards, continued from page 6
COLOR OF HOPE
L’Oréal Paris has created a limited edition and exclusive
OCRF
color collection to honor the work of The Ovarian
Cancer Research Fund and celebrate the winter
holidays. The Color of Hope is a universally
flattering shade of mauve based on OCRF’s
Spotlight
(like T and B cells) to seek out and destroy MUC1-expressing
cancer cells. Tumor-specific immunotherapy through vaccination
with the MUC1 tumor antigen, especially in the context of minimal
residual disease following removal of the tumor could potentially
be crucial for prevention of recurrences. Our study will point us to
the form of MUC1 that is more successful in eliciting an effective
immune response and contributes to the design of a more
effective ovarian cancer vaccine.
Our ovarian cancer vaccine is based on the MUC1 tumor antigen.
MUC1 is expressed, albeit at low levels, in normal epithelial cells
and overexpressed in ovarian cancer. The backbone of the
molecule is identical between normal and tumor MUC1, but the
cancer form carries tumor-specific carbohydrates. We propose to
test a vaccine based on the tumor-like, glycosylated MUC1,
called Tn100mer. Our vaccine delivers small pieces of the tumor
form of MUC1 to specialized cells called dendritic cells. The
dendritic cells will then activate other cells of the immune system
signature color that is featured throughout the
limited edition collection, which consists of a
lipcolour, eye shadow, blush and nail enamel. We
are pleased to announce L’Oréal will donate 10
percent of the purchase price of the Color of Hope
Colour Riche Lipcolour to OCRF! Other products in the
collection are in tribute to the strength and beauty of the
L’Oréal woman: the long-lasting eye shadow, available in two
“Hope” quads, have the letters H-O-P-E embossed on the shadow and the
Blush Delice highlights the message of the collection with “HOPE” displayed on the lid, and
“Because You’re Worth It” is etched on the inside mirror as a reminder. The Color of Hope
collection is available for a limited time at chain drug, food and mass retailers across the
country. Give the gift of beauty and purchase the Color of Hope to help OCRF!
First-ever
National
Public Service
Announcement
for ovarian cancer!
L’Oréal’s
limited edition
Color of Hope collection
Celebrated actress and model Andie MacDowell stars in
SUSIE FRAGNOLI
Susie Fragnoli is a woman on a mission. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, Susie
a new public service announcement for OCRF. The
committed herself to beating the disease and helping others in the process. This summer, she turned her
campaign features a print ad for magazines and newspapers
passion for fitness into a fundraising venture and joined Team Vector as part of the Reebok Women’s
and companion radio and television spots. The campaign
Triathlon in San Diego. “I dream of helping to secure research funds so that we can find a method of early
detection or a medication to prevent re-occurrence. I pray that my
encourages women to ask questions, talk about ovarian
daughter's generation will “have it figured out.” Only 13 months
cancer and join OCRF in its fight.
after four surgeries and seven months of Chemo I am so lucky
to be racing in the Reebok Triathlon. As I struggle trying to
complete the swim or finish the running portion of the race,
OCRF is positively thrilled with this campaign and knows
I will love the fact that I am there and my friends who
that it will reach millions of women across the country.
are in the triathlon are racing in my honor and not my
We are indebted to Andie MacDowell, photographers
memory,” says Susie. Not only did Susie complete her first
Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, director
triathlon but, thanks to her sheer determination and the
support of her friends, family, and colleagues, she was the top
fundraiser of the entire Triathlon Series — raising $18,000 for OCRF.
We are so grateful to Susie and just are thrilled to have her on our team!
10
Susie Fragnoli at the
San Diego Triathlon
Matthew Rolston, McCann Erickson and Nurun for donating
their time and resources to creating this campaign.
11
Know the
Symptoms of
Ovarian Cancer
• Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints
such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or
feeling of fullness
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequency and/or urgency of urination
Dedicated
to
advancing
research,
raising
awareness
• New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal bleeding
& finding a
cure
Every woman should undergo an annual rectal and vaginal pelvic examination. If an irreg-
for
ularity of the ovary is detected, or if some of the vague symptoms are expressed, further
testing should be performed. This may include a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal
sonogram. It is important to note that the PAP test is used to detect cervical cancer, NOT
ovarian cancer. If you are concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer, you should speak
H PE
News from The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
Medical News
OCRF LAUNCHES THE PROGRAM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AWARD
ovarian cancer.
to your gynecologist for more information.
For more information or to receive a free information packet, call OCRF at
1-800-873-9569
or go to
Winter 2004/2005
www.ocrf.org
Jonathan Berek, M.D. (second from right)
with some of his research team at UCLA
OCRF is proud to announce its newest scientific initiative which supports multidisciplinary
groups of investigators seeking to establish large ovarian cancer research programs and
develop program project grant applications for submission to peer-review funding agencies
such as the NCI, PO1, SPORE, DOD. This award may involve several investigators within one
institution or collaborations between groups in multiple institutions. Areas of emphasis include
screening and early detection, etiology and prevention, molecular therapeutics, cancer
biology and genetics. Through this program, OCRF will provide a three-year grant of up to
$300,000 per annum with the expectation that the initial research performed with these start
up monies will be matched many fold when additional funding is later obtained from the
National Cancer Institute and/or other groups.
Medical News continued on page 4
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
14 Pennsylvania Plaza
Suite 1400
New York, NY 10122
PAID
OCRF CELEBRATES
10 YEARS!
SEE PAGE 3 FOR STORY.
NEW YORK, NY
Permit No. 7131
Inside
Letter from OCRF
Executive Director . . . . 2
OCRF Turns 10 . . . . . . . 3
Medical News (cont) . . . 4
Individual Investigator
Awards . . . . . . . . . . 5 & 6
Super Saturday (cont) /
Fundraising News . . . 7-9
Super Saturday Another Tremendous Day!
Super Saturday 7 broke another record, raising close to $1.8 million!
We would never have been able to achieve this triumph without the
continued support of Donna Karan, Charla Lawhon and In Style
magazine. Donna has personally underwritten Super Saturday since
1998, when the event was founded, and this year was In Style’s
fourth year of sponsoring this exciting day. The event was hosted by
the wonderful Kelly Ripa and held on July 31st at beautiful Nova’s
Ark Project in Water Mill, NY.
Super Saturday continued on page 7
OCRF Spotlight . . . . . 10
( 2 1 2 ) 2 6 8 - 1 0 0 2 ( 8 0 0 ) 8 7 3 - 9 5 6 9 w w w. o c r f . o r g
Super Saturday co-host Kelly Ripa
and her son Joachin