An Announcement from the Rivkin Family: A New Chapter Begins

Melissa Saul

Dear Rivkin Center Family,

From the beginning, the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research has been deeply personal for our family. Thirty years ago, we came together to honor our wife and mother, Marsha Rivkin, creating a legacy that reflects the love, compassion, and warmth she shared with us. 

Today, we share an important new chapter in this journey: a partnership with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), ensuring that our mission to end ovarian cancer in our lifetimes will continue to grow and be realized. This partnership will become official on April 1, 2025.

This decision was not made lightly, but we are excited about the future – and so is OCRA. We couldn’t have found a better partner.

  • Read more about the partnership from Rivkin Center CEO, Molly O’Connor
  • Watch a video message from Dr. Rivkin and Melissa Rivkin about what this milestone means for our family and the future of the Rivkin Center

Together with you, we have transformed what began as the SummeRun into an organization that’s been a global leader in supporting innovative ovarian cancer research. Thanks to your incredible generosity—walking, running, volunteering, and giving—the Rivkin Center became known worldwide for funding new research and new researchers and fostering collaboration through the Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium. It is this reputation that brought OCRA to us, and we know this partnership will amplify our impact with greater resources and expanded reach.

OCRA’s shared commitment to ending ovarian cancer ensures the key work, values, and legacy of the Rivkin Center will thrive. The international symposium will now include the Rivkin name, and the establishment of the Rivkin Pilot Grants within OCRA will carry forward our family’s vision and the Rivkin Center’s pioneering approach to funding early-stage research.

And, yes, OCRA is enthusiastic about continuing SummeRun and getting to know all of you!

This journey would not have been possible without you. To every patient, survivor, loved one, donor, volunteer, advocate, physician and researcher: thank you. Your personal journeys with this disease and your belief in this cause have been the heart of our work, building a community that is transforming lives and bringing us closer to a world without ovarian cancer.

As our dad, Dr. Saul Rivkin, often reminds us, “The mission of the Rivkin Center is to end ovarian cancer within our lifetimes.” With this powerful partnership, that vision is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

We can’t wait to see you at SummeRun on July 13, 2025!

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Rivkin Family – Dr. Saul Rivkin, Joyce, Melissa, Rebecca, Heidi, Aimee, and Jessica

A message from our CEO, Molly O’Connor

Press release Rivkin Center joins OCRA

A video message from Dr. Rivkin & Melissa Rivkin

Q&A about the partnership with OCRA