Q&A about the Rivkin Center & OCRA Partnership

  • What is changing at the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research?
    • On April 1, 2025, the Rivkin Center will combine with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), which is headquartered in New York and DC. With a shared commitment to ending ovarian cancer, OCRA will carry forward the key work and legacy of the Rivkin Center: ovarian cancer research grants and the Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium.

  • Why did the Rivkin Center make this decision?
    • It was an opportunity to combine forces with another 30-year-old organization that also prioritized funding ovarian cancer research and has been a leader in the field. Together, we know our impact would be much stronger. Our goal is a cure, and, in a world of limited resources, we believe we will get closer to answers if we join forces and ensure as much money as possible is directed to research.
  • What is the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and why did you choose them?
    • OCRA began about the same time as the Rivkin Center to invest in ovarian cancer research. Like Dr. Rivkin, Sol Schreiber lost his wife Ann to ovarian cancer and committed to investing in research for a cure. Today, OCRA is the leading global organization dedicated to combating ovarian and all gynecologic cancer while supporting patients and families. It has invested $128 million in scientific breakthroughs, helped secure $3.8 billion in federal research funding, and supports 95,000 individuals annually through its programs. We couldn’t have found a better partner with a shared commitment to finding a cure.
  • How will the legacy of Dr. Rivkin and the Rivkin Center continue?
    • Dr. Rivkin wants to find a cure for ovarian cancer in his lifetime. Investing in research and a commitment to finding a cure are at the heart of OCRA. OCRA will continue the research investments and the collaboration among the ovarian cancer research community, which has been at the heart of the Rivkin Center.
  • What will happen to the Rivkin Center team?
    • Melissa Rivkin, currently board president of the Rivkin Center board of directors, will join the OCRA Board of Directors, and Dr. Jackie Lang, Director of Scientific Programs at the Rivkin Center, will take on an instrumental role in OCRA’s engagement with the scientific community. CEO Molly O’Connor is leading the organization through this transition and excited about new opportunities.
  • Will there be staff in the Seattle area?
    • Dr. Jackie Lang, Rivkin’s Director of Scientific Programs, resides in the Seattle area and will continue working with OCRA. 
  • Can I still give to the Rivkin Center before April 1?
    • Yes. The Rivkin Center will then transfer all funds to OCRA to support research and patient programs.
  • Who can I contact at OCRA with questions?
    • For questions about giving, please contact Brian Phair, OCRA’s Director of Donor Relations at bphair@ocrahope.org or (212) 268-1002.
    • For questions about patient support programs and information, please contact Sarah Handsman, OCRA’s Director of Patient Support, at shandsman@ocrahope.org or (212) 268-1002.
  • Will I be able to give directly to the Rivkin Pilot Grants?
    • Yes, you will be able to restrict your giving to support these grants. OCRA will have a way to designate your gift on its website after April 1, 2025. 
  • Will there still be a SummeRun?
    • Yes! The SummeRun will be held Sunday, July 13 at Seward Park. OCRA knows this event is important to the community and hopes to grow it. Planning will be underway soon, and Dr. Rivkin expects to see everyone at the Finish Line again this year.
  • Will the SummeRun remain the same under OCRA?
    • Yes. The 2025 SummeRun will be at Seward Park with a similar program that honors survivors and those who lost their lives to ovarian cancer; raises visibility and funds for ovarian cancer research; and encourages healthy competition among individuals and teams. SummeRun will use some of the same event contractors, and the Rivkin Center will use the next few months to ensure OCRA has all the information and key contacts.
  • Will the Rivkin Family stay involved in the SummeRun?
    • Yes. This is the event that honored Marsha Rivkin’s memory and started the Rivkin Center. The family will do what it can to support a successful SummeRun, and Dr. Rivkin will be at the Finish Line.
  • Will funds raised at SummeRun go exclusively to the Rivkin Pilot Grants at OCRA?
    • Yes. All SummeRun revenue will be restricted to support the next round of Rivkin Pilot Grants.
  • Where will I get information about signing up for the SummeRun?
    • Keep an eye on your email and social media for updates about Team Captain meetings and the launch of registration!
  • Will there be a fall Auction/Gala?
    • No. This event will not be continued.
  • What do I need to do if I have the Rivkin Center designated in my will?
    • First, thank you for making that commitment to ovarian cancer research and an end to ovarian cancer. Even though the Rivkin Center’s business is folding into OCRA, your bequest does not automatically transfer. To ensure your bequest continues to support ovarian cancer research, please contact your estate lawyer to make this change. Brian Phair, OCRA’s Director of Donor Relations (bphair@ocrahope.org), can answer questions and provide you with the information you need.
  • What is the best way to get updates about the progress of the transition?
    • Over the next two months, the Rivkin Center will provide updates via emails and social media. After April 1, OCRA will send communications to the Rivkin Center community. You will be able to opt out of these communications.
  • Who should I contact if I have questions about the transition between now and March 31?
  • How will this partnership better support newly diagnosed patients, survivors and families in the PNW?
    • OCRA has extensive and trusted resources and supports that begin from the moment someone is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This includes online information, one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, art programs, a book club, a genetic testing program, and an annual conference for patients and their loved ones throughout the world. If and when you’re ready, you can also become an ovarian cancer advocate to support others and/or more funding for ovarian cancer research.
  • Will the Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium for ovarian cancer researchers continue?
    • Yes! OCRA will continue the symposium. To honor Dr. Rivkin, who started the symposium in 1999, the symposium will be renamed after him.
  • Will the Northwest Gynecological Cancers Symposium continue?
    • There is currently no plan to host this event in 2025.
  • Will the 2025 scientific grants still be awarded this spring?
    • All grant proposals are under review now with awardees to be announced at the end of March. It is our intent to fund all planned grants.
  • What should I do if I have an active grant with the Rivkin Center?
    • You will get an email from Jackie Lang with information specific to your grant. 
  • Will OCRA continue the important early research grants that the ovarian cancer research community has received from the Rivkin Center for the past 30 years?
    • Yes. OCRA has committed to continuing the Rivkin Pilot Grants, which help launch new research throughout the world, by funding several new grants each year.
  • Will the Scientific Scholar Awards continue? 
    • No. OCRA already has established career development grants, which are very similar.

A message from our CEO, Molly O’Connor

A message from the Rivkin Family

A video message from Dr. Rivkin & Melissa Rivkin

Press release Rivkin Center joins OCRA