NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to enrich lives through early detection education, patient support services and research funding for ovarian cancer - the silent killer of women. We educate about the symptoms/risks, provide support to families impacted by the disease, and serve as a resource for medical professionals. Our goal is to create better futures for people living with cancer.
Take a moment to shop Bling4Cancer Jewelry, our online collection of fashionable awareness jewelry in 20 colors to honor those touched by many medical illnesses and cancer types.

What started as a promise to a dying mother who begged her daughter to “speak for all those whose voices have been silenced by this disease” has grown beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. This year, NLOCI celebrates 16 years of serving our community.
Most of our programs focus on ovarian cancer, which is a widely misunderstood disease. There is no screening test and 55% of those diagnosed die within five years of diagnosis. However, if diagnosed early, there is a 92% cure rate – the same as breast cancer. Studies show that 80% of women have never talked to a health care provider (HCP) about this disease. It’s amazing how many women we speak with incorrectly think the Pap test screens for ovarian cancer or who think they won’t get ovarian cancer because they had their ovaries surgically removed.
Women and families impacted by ovarian cancer have an improved quality of life because knowledge is a powerful tool that creates action when it comes to personal health. No longer are ovarian cancer patients isolated, forgotten, or struggling to find comfort throughout their treatment. Our programs bring hope, not only to ovarian cancer patients, but to anyone with a family cancer history – especially breast, uterine, colon, pancreatic, and prostate, which are related to ovarian through the BRCA genetic mutation.
Since the launch of the BEAT the BIG O campaign in 2011, more than 550,000 free BEAT symptom cards have been distributed across the globe. These unique cards can be mounted on a mirror and are available at medical facilities, salons/spas, retail boutiques and at dozens of community events each year (pre-covid). The cards inform and empower those born with ovaries about the easily ignored and often dismissed symptoms of ovarian cancer. We know of several women whose diagnoses were made as a direct result of this campaign, as well as our other programs.

Within a few years, BEAT the BIG O was expanded to include Sisterly Advice, an empowerment workshop about genetic inheritance and its relationship to ovarian and other cancers. Attendees learn the importance of family cancer history and how to be a vigilant self-advocate for their gynecologic health. They gain a better understanding of ovarian cancer symptoms, assess their personal risk, explore risk reduction strategies, and determine the best course(s) of action for their individual situations. This program helps them open a dialogue with their HCP. They become proactive about their health and can seek the proper medical attention for the best outcome. More than 2000 people have attended these sessions.
In 2016, RULE OUT! Ovarian Cancer Early Detection and Risk Reduction Project was developed to narrow the ovarian cancer knowledge gap with HCPs. It is a collaborative program that awards continuing education (CME/CEU) credits to nurses, doctors, and allied workers. Research shows that women are frequently misdiagnosed because ovarian cancer symptoms mimic many benign conditions. Too often the possibility of ovarian cancer is not considered and more than 75% of diagnoses are made at stages III/IV, when treatment is rarely successful.
This educational program includes survivor and physician testimonials and underscores the need to rule out the disease at an earlier stage. It provides the most current diagnostic tools and scientific advancements. Approximately 500 HCPs have completed the program to date. The program is free and can be offered as a Plenary session or as a Grand Round topic. Currently, it is offered on the Rush University Medical Center (Chicago) continuing education platform.
At the request of a family who established a memorial fund at NormaLeah, the sisterSTRONG program was created in 2017. This program provides support, resources, and referral services for high-risk and symptomatic individuals, as well as ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Each year, this program serves more than 900 people through local/regional enrichment programs, monthly newsletters, and peer networking groups. We offer bags of “Hugs and Hope” for newly diagnosed and recurrent patients. The bags contain items designed to bring comfort and helpful advice during chemotherapy and surgery. In 2023, we delivered 150 bags to women with ovarian cancer.
Our newest program, GirlpARTs Sculpture Project, partners with local businesses, community leaders, and artists. It uses the arts to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its genetic connection to other cancers, especially breast cancer. Artists create a three-dimensional torso sculpture that is displayed in high-traffic areas and locations that serve marginalized populations. This program kicks off during September and October, ovarian and breast cancer awareness months respectively, when heightened awareness around these sister cancers exists. This project is designed to educate the public in an easily accessible and engaging way. Eight new sculptures are created each year before joining a rotating local exhibit as well as a travelling exhibit for galleries and art events.
Our other two programs provide the time, talent and treasure to advance our mission. Approximately 50 active members in our Sisterhood of the Teal Tiaras volunteer group assist with program implementation and fundraising. Bling4Cancer Jewelry is our proprietary line of fashionable awareness jewelry made with sparkling crystals. It is available on our website and at events. We offer several designs and 20 colors to honor those touched by many medical illnesses and cancer types. Our educational materials are always distributed free of charge.