Funds to support innovation and answers in WA state research institutions
Sept. 21, 2023
For Immediate Release
Molly O’Connor, CEO
(206) 490-0878; molly.oconnor@rivkin.org
SEATTLE – Washington state ovarian cancer researchers will have an extra $1M in grant funding over the next two years thanks to a pioneering public-private partnership between the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer and the state’s Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund.
In 2024, the partnership will award $400k in grants. Another $600k will be awarded in 2025. Each organization will contribute half of the money, matching dollar for dollar public and private funds.
“This partnership speaks to the urgency around ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest gynecological cancer and one of the most underfunded cancers,” said Melissa Rivkin, Rivkin Center Board President. “Working together allows us to fund more novel research on early detection and treatments right here in our state. Early detection is essential to improving survival rates.”
Ovarian cancer is most often diagnosed at advanced stages because it presents with vague symptoms and there is no test to catch it in its earliest, most treatable and most survivable stages. While survival rates for ovarian cancer have improved over the last 40 years, less than half of women diagnosed are still alive five years later.
“Both the Rivkin Center and Andy Hill CARE Fund have a strong record of supporting cancer research. With the collaboration of these two organizations to invest in cancer research in Washington state, we are making history. We look forward to the results, which will improve the health of family members, friends, neighbors, and communities,” said David R. Byrd, MD, CARE Fund Board Chair.
Primary investigators from around Washington state can apply for this ovarian cancer research funding at rivkin.org/research/grants/. Grant applications for funding are due Dec. 1. Grant awards will be announced in the spring.
About the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer
Founded by now-retired oncologist Dr. Saul Rivkin after his wife Marsha died of ovarian cancer at age 49, the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer became one of the first nonprofits in the nation to fund ovarian cancer research and education. It also hosted the first international conference on ovarian cancer research, which continues today. The Rivkin Center has invested nearly $16M in ovarian cancer research worldwide, providing important early money to help launch the most promising new research and new researchers. rivkin.org
About the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund
The Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund invests in public and private entities to promote cancer research in Washington state. Since its authorization by the Washington State Legislature, CARE Fund has invested over $58 million in cancer research and partnerships in Washington. CARE fund leverages a public-private partnership model which incentivizes additional investment by requiring private or other nonstate resources to match public funds. Through research grants and strategic partnerships, CARE Fund improves health outcomes by advancing transformational research in the prevention and treatment of cancer. wacarefund.org