Long Island OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support) is holding its 2nd annual Wave of Hope Gala to benefit ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. The black tie event will take place on November 2 at Giorgio’s Restaurant & Catering at Fox Hill in Baiting Hollow, N.Y., from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Stony Brook University Medical Center will receive a check from OCEANS for $25,000 at the gala. The funds will support ovarian cancer research at the Medical Center.
The gala will honor Michael Pearl, M.D., Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at Stony Brook, for his leadership in providing care for women with gynecologic cancer and his research initiatives, along with Long Island Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), who represents New York’s 2nd Congressional District, for his support in the search for cures.
In 2004 several women being treated for ovarian cancer at Stony Brook met to share stories about their illness and exchange ideas about advocacy. They decided to launch OCEANS. The purpose of the grassroots organization is to provide support resources, networking, and education for those women diagnosed with ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. With funds from the annual gala and other donations, OCEANS also supports the advancement of research for early detection and cure for ovarian cancer.
“Gynecologic cancer is an important issue in our community, and the women of LI OCEANS are inspirational because they have been treated, or are currently being treated for ovarian cancer,” says Dr. Pearl. “Their generous support will help to fund several research initiatives that focus on early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.”
Physicians do not yet have access to a reliable method for early detection of ovarian cancer, and unfortunately, 75% or more of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in later disease stages. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 25,000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006, and the disease will claim the lives of more than 15,000.
The gala includes a cocktail reception, martini bar, hors d’oeuvres, followed by a formal dinner and award presentations. There will also be music, dancing and two auctions. Tickets are $80 per person. Sponsorship and underwriting packages are also available.
For ticket or sponsorship, please call LI OCEANS at (631) 878-7080 or (631) 928-0298, or online at Info@Lioceans.com or Khrissy@lioceans.com.
