About Us
Space Coast Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Alliance is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation was founded in January 2009.
After working with the local Support Group for several years, we knew it was time formalize an organizational focus on Gynecologic Cancers here in Brevard County and establish an organization which would; support Gynecologic Cancer research, provide gynecologic health education and awareness to the women and girls of this community, as well as, reaching out to our Federal and State Governments to prommote, improve and expand Gynecologic health care for women and girls her in FL and the US. So, after being “mentored” for 2 years by the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of FL, we were ready to form our own organization and incorporate in 2009.
“Our Mission is to provide education and awareness of Ovarian and other Gynecologic Cancers and to serve as a resource to all gynecologic cancer Survivors and their families.”
Partner Organizations
Membership in these organizations provides an opportunity to act on national and statewide levels as we collectively monitor legislation and cancer budget funding, promote nationwide Gynecologic Cancer education/awareness activities. We coordinate our activities with and learn from our sister organizations and we network within our communities to become a recognized presence in Brevard County. Our Partner Members give us a louder voice as we address Gynecologic Health Care Issues with the strength and commitment of many organizations.
We are Members of, Florida Ovarian Cancer Alliance Speaks, “FOCAS”. FOCAS is a coalition of Ovarian Cancer Groups throughout FL, who have united in a common mission to fight Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancers and present a united front for state education and awareness programs, develop research funding and imrove health care for women and girls in Florida.
FOCAS Accomplishments –
In 2010- FOCAS wrote and lobbied the “Kelly Smith Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Act”, in the FL House of Representatives and Fl Senate. It was passed unimously by both, so in July, 2011, Gov. Scott signed it into law – insuring that woman and girls of FL will have access to Gynecologic Medical Information and will be directed to proper care and treatment. Result - The FL Department of Health has sent Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Information to each of the FOCAS Partner Members to be distributed in Family Practice and Gynecology offices.
We are Partner Members of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, “OCNA”, The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the foremost advocate for women with ovarian cancer in the United States. To advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer, the Alliance advocates at a national level for increases in research funding for the development of an early detection test, improved health care practices, and life-saving treatment protocols. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance educates health care professionals and raises public awareness of the risks, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
OCNA Accomplishments- ” Johanna’s Law” - is a law supported by OCNA and all Partner Members, that directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do an awareness campaign around the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical and vaginal/vulvar cancer. We Capitol Hill for this to be funded every 3 years. Also, OCNA provides an annual conference for Survivors, Partner Members, Caregivers which focuses on Scientific developments and ends with Lobby Day opportunity for us to petition our Senators and Congressman on the Hill.
Speakers Bureau
This is our most important program. We provide speakers and information on Gynecologic Cancers for local community and/or women’s groups programs in Brevard County. The presentation includes; take-home printed material on Gynecologic Cancer, awareness material, a Survivors Story and there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions or make comments. This program is a MUST for women in our county! Call or email us for more information.
Survivor/Caregiver Support Programs
We sponsor a Support Group for survivors and their families/caregivers, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) at MIMA Cancer Center, 1130 Hickory Street Melbourne from 5 to 7 PM. It is an informal gathering and we make sure to welcome everyone. Those who have questions or concerns are welcome to speak; we share our “been there – done that” experiences and our accomplishments. We provide program speakers on topics of interest as indicated by our members. Please see the Newsletter for more information. History In 2001, four Nurses from our community – Alice Spinelli, ARNP, Terre Luce, ARNP, Alice Robbins-Fox, RN and Marquita Fuchs, RN. began a support group for Ovarian Cancer Survivors. This Group now includes all Gynecologic Cancer Survivors and continues to meet and assist women and their family members with the challenges they face as a result of their cancer diagnosis.
We meet for an informal Lunch Bunch most often on the first or second Saturday of the month at different restaurants throughout the county. (See the Newsletter for the current location.)
We provide New Patient Bags to newly diagnosed women.
We participate in local Health Fairs and local Community Functions where we distribute educational and awareness information to the public. (call or email us if you have a suggestion or event)
Once a month we serve “Julia’s High Tea”, at Dr. Bomalaski’s office for the patients in their chemo room and in the waiting room. The tea is funded by the Catan family in memory of Julia Catan, a beloved member of the Support Group who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2007.
The Sister Run
The Sister Run will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 and is always a special day for us. There is a variety of participants ranging from serious runners to walkers, Survivors, families, babies in strollers, dogs on a leash and Teams of friends , business buddies and families. It is FUN! History – We became involved in The Sister Run when the race founders and organizers, the Loveday Family announced that they would not be able to continue the race in 2006, and asked us if we would continue the tradition. We accepted, and for the past 6 years we have produced The Sister Run. 2012 will mark it’s 14th year, making it the longest consecutively run Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer education/awareness race in FL.
Website – In 2002, Laura Harrington began a website for her mother, Rina Harrington’s, “Space Coast Lunch Bunch”. In 2005 Laura developed a new website to connect with the ovarian cancer groups and activities in central Florida. She dedicated her new website to her mother Rina and called it The Teal Ribbon Network. As time went on and our organization grew,www.tealribboncfl became the official website of the Space Coast Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Alliance. In 2009 her success as a NBC Sports producer (an Emmy winner for her work on the Beijing Olympics) made it difficult for her to keep up with the growing needs of the organization and she passed the torch. The Board of Directors wishes to formally thank Laura, for her years of dedication and her work on our behalf.
Board of Directors
Mrs. Constance M. Van Asdale, President
Ms Alice Robbins-Fox, RN, Secretary
Mr. Brian P. Fox, Treasurer
Ms Alice Spinelli-Culbreth, ARNP
Mr. Brian Fox
Mrs. MaryDent Grieve
Ms Terre Luce, ARNP
Mr. David A. Van Asdale II
Mrs. Marilyn Webster
In Appreciation
The Board of Directors of Space Coast Ovarian/Gynecologic Cancer Alliance expresses their gratitude for the ongoing professional services of Attorney Maurice Arcadier, JD, MBA, Arcadier and Associates, PA and Brent R.Wente, CPA, Shein Wente, LLC.