2016 has been our most successful fundraising year ever! Over the last few weeks we distributed $22,500 to three deserving organizations whose missions are to improve the lives of ovarian cancer patients.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance plays a critical role in the fight against ovarian cancer. As the largest non-profit funder of ovarian cancer research in the United States (since 1994), they are committed to financing cutting-edge medical research at this important time. Scientists are on the threshold of many important new discoveries. New tools and technologies, along with an ever-increasing understanding of the molecular basis and origins of the disease, offer extraordinary scientific opportunities to make progress in ovarian cancer research. This year we donated $11,000 to OCRFA. Since 2012 JLOCF has distributed $36,500 towards Ovarian Cancer Research.

The Give Women A Lift Program was initiated by the Teal Tea Foundation back in 2012. Under this program they provide for the transportation costs (up to $250 per person) of women in need who are ovarian cancer and gynecological cancer patients in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. For women who are able to drive to treatments, the program provides gas cards; and, they work with cab companies near treatment centers who will accept vouchers for fare payments for patients. This year they were able to serve 41 patients to date to provide transportation to get them to treatment - to a doctor's office, a treatment center, or to a hospital for their chemo and/or radiation. Almost every week, referrals are received from the American Cancer Society, or hospital social workers, nurse navigators and doctor's offices who recommend the program to women who can benefit from "Give Women A Lift's" assistance. This year we donated $6,000 to the Give Women A Lift Program. Since 2013 JLOCF has distributed $12,000 to this program.

The Gynecologic Cancer Support Group at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. This group which is funded solely by grant monies, meets monthly to discuss fears/concerns about diagnosis and treatment, how family roles have changed and talking to family/friends and children about cancer. The group is open to all women, regardless of where they receive treatment. They are in contract with the Cancer Support Community - Central New Jersey to provide several services for patients and the facilitator of the GYN Support Group is one of the services in the contract. This support group takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. This year we donated $5,500 to this support group. Since 2015 JLOCF has distributed $8,250 to this program.