NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative

The NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative was established in 2008 as the NormaLeah Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Named after two sisters who died of ovarian cancer, our mission is to enrich lives through early detection education, patient support services and research funding for ovarian cancer – the silent killer of women.  We dream of the day when ovarian cancer screening becomes a routine part of every woman’s annual wellness exam. Each year, our community outreach initiative, BEAT the BIG O distributes tens of thousands mirror-mountable symptom cards and other information through medical facilities, salons/spas, retail boutiques and at dozens of health fairs and women’s events. Our girlpARTs sculpture project is a community-wide awareness program promoting the genetic link between ovarian and other cancers, especially breast. We provide direct services through three programs. Sisterly Advice is an educational session which empowers women to recognize the disease’s subtle symptoms, assess their personal risk, explore risk reduction strategies and seek medical attention for the best possible outcome. RULE OUT! Ovarian Cancer Early Detection & Risk Reduction Project provides continuing education credits and is a collaboration with the medical community so that the disease can be detected at an early stage when the survival rate is above 92%. sisterSTRONG is our program that serves ovarian cancer survivors and high-risk patients. Our programs are supported through grants, individual/corporate donations, third-party fundraisers and special events. Our Bling4Cancer line of fashionable crystal awareness jewelry supports our programs and research contributions. Our local partners include Paula Sands/KWQC-TV, Gilda’s Club and many local healthcare systems. Visit our website at www.normaleah.org

Our local efforts concentrate on educating people born with ovaries (and those who love and care for them) about ovarian cancer and its genetic link to other cancers. We are opening a dialogue between patients and medical providers to reduce the mortality and incidence rates of a disease that is rarely discussed. We are always seeking event and administrative (male & female) volunteers to join our Sisterhood of the Teal Tiaras.