Community Partner: Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA)

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about womens experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCAs efforts.

Due to a lack of screening tests and clear-cut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness, said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed.

GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Josephs Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of womens health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founders dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages.

On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeasts premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alives Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment.

The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming, said Barron. The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts.

For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to ShakenNotStirredGala.com.

For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website.

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance
6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-255-1337
GaOvarianCancer.org