Ovacome and UK GCT Survivor Sisters Win World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Impact Award
Image shows Linda Langdale, Anna Hudson, Victoria Clare and Suzanne Love presenting the research carried out in the award-winning collaboration by Ovacome and the UK GCT Survivor Sisters at the British Gynaecological Cancer Society's Annual Scientific conference.
With a formal ceremony set to take place today the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition announced that Ovacome and the UK GCT Survivor Sisters are among the list of this year’s recipients of the fourth annual World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Impact Awards.
Ovacome is the UK’s ovarian cancer support charity and have provided personalised support and information for anyone affected by ovarian cancer since 1996. UK GCT Survivor Sisters, are the UK arm of a global network of people with granulosa cell tumour, a rare form of ovarian cancer. Together, the two organisations have published patient experience research which, in turn, has led to a change in the guidance for how people with GCT are monitored in the UK.
Victoria Clare, Ovacome CEO said “We’re delighted to accept this Inspiring Collaboration Award from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. The whole Ovacome staff team have been humbled and honoured to collaborate with such a wonderful group of women.
“We are so proud of the work we have done together with the UK GCT Survivor Sisters group, and this award really symbolises the hard work and determination of those who have been so brave in sharing their experiences to make patient experience better.
“A special thank you to Linda, Suzanne and Megan. I know there is more on the agenda for the GCT Survivor Sisters, and we look forward to supporting you again to improve experience and outcomes for even more people diagnosed with GCT.”
Linda Langdale, patient advocate from UK GCT Survivor Sisters said, ““I am truly honoured to accept this award on behalf of our Facebook group, the UK GCT Survivor Sisters.
“Ovacome had immediately taken up the issue of Inhibin testing and with their contacts, support and amazingly talented team made this collaboration a success. We could not have achieved any of it without their help. We look forward to further collaborations with Ovacome as we still have work to do.”
“More than anything, this award proves that if you have a rare cancer, you can still have a voice and make a difference.”
The complete list of winners, by category, are:
Inspiring Collaborations Award – this Award celebrates the remarkable achievements of people and organisations who have worked in partnership to make a difference. Recipients for this year are:
- Ovaries, Talk About Them Campaign, Australia
- Ovacome & UK Granulosa Cell Tumour Sisters, UK
- National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Nigeria
- Paula Holmes Rodman & Lindsey Holmes, Canada
The Every Woman Study™️ Award – this Award is to recognize those that are demonstrating their use of the Every Woman Study™️ to drive positive change for women within their own settings or country. The 2024 award this year goes to:
Rumana Afroz, Dr. Farhana Haque, Dr. Farhana Kalam, Dr. Dilruba Yeasmin, Dr. Rahela Khatun, Bangladesh
Above and Beyond Award - this Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have gone beyond for those impacted by ovarian cancer, through selflessness, dedication, and compassion. Recipients for this year are:
- Brittany Turner, USA
- Dr. Katalin Köblös, Hungary
- Christine Campbell, Ireland
World Ovarian Cancer Day/Awareness Award – This category acknowledges exceptional contributions to the annual World Ovarian Cancer Day Campaign or year-round awareness of the disease locally, nationally, or internationally. Recipients for this year are:
- Nicole Andrews, USA
- Jane MacNeil, USA
- Runsi Sen, USA
- Nimkee Gupta, India/Luxembourg
Outstanding Achievement Award – This final award recognizes the lifetime achievement of an individual or organization who has significantly impacted the ovarian cancer community through their work. The recipient of this well-deserved award is:
- Annwen Jones OBE
Clara MacKay, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition said: “It is truly humbling to stand among such remarkable individuals and organisations who have turned their own challenges and experiences into beacons of hope and progress for the ovarian cancer community. Each of this year’s recipients embodies the strength, resilience, and determination that drive our collective mission forward. Their contributions, whether through advocacy, innovation, or direct support, have created lasting change and touched countless lives. I am both inspired and honoured to celebrate their achievements today, knowing that their work brings us all closer to a future where no woman is left behind.”
The awards ceremony will be streamed today, 29 November 2024, at 2:30pm UTC during the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Partner Meeting. More information on the meeting and awards ceremony can be found here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/2023-partner-meeting/
