Patient Advocates
The Role of Patient Advocates in the DOD Ovarian Cancer Academy
Patient advocates are an integral part of the DOD Ovarian Cancer Academy community, bringing the lived experience of ovarian cancer to the heart of our research mission. Their insights help ensure that our scientific priorities remain grounded in the needs and realities of patients and to inspire our endeavors. Advocates participate in the Annual OCA Workshop, where they share their perspectives during the patient panel, engage directly with ECIs, and foster dialogue about research relevance and impact. They also serve as consumer reviewers in mock grant panels, offering invaluable feedback that strengthens proposals and helps trainees better communicate the significance of their work. Each year, we invite new patient advocates from the Powell-Drescher Foundation and other partner foundations to participate. Their voices inspire our researchers to stay focused on translating discoveries into meaningful advances for patients and families affected by ovarian cancer.
2025:
For Yelena Advocates photo the caption can say: OCA patient advocates Laurie Cardin (from COE Cares) , Timelle Duckett, and Marie Kennedy from Powell-Drescher OCRF with OCA program manager, Yelena Zhuravlev at the Annual OCA Workshop, September 2025. Their dedication and insights continue to inspire and guide our research community.
OCA patient advocates Laurie Cardin, Timelle Duckett, and Marie Kennedy with OCA Dean Ken Nephew, patient panel moderator ECI Marion Curtis, and Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin.
OCA patient advocates during their patient panel discussion, moderated by ECI Marion Curtis.
2024:
Patient Advocates Dee Sparacio from Women of Teal, Katy Loewy and Rebecca Esparza from Powell-Drescher OCRF, with panel moderator ECI Kate Chiappinelli, OCA Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin and OCA Dean Ken Nephew.
Sachia Powell, a dedicated patient advocate who established the Powell-Drescher Ovarian Research Foundation, holding a raffle at the 2025 OCA workshop. Sachia holds a pivotal role in guiding aims and communications between scientists, consumer groups, and the broader ovarian cancer research community.
2024 Patient Advocates Katy Loew, Dee Sparacio, and Rebecca Esparza, with panel moderator ECI Kate Chiappinelli during the patient panel discussion
2024 Patient Advocate Rebecca Esparza with Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin and Dean Ken Nephew
2024 Patient Advocate Dee Sparacio with Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin and Dean Ken Nephew
2024 Patient Advocate Katy Loewy with Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin and Dean Ken Nephew
2023:
2023 Patient Advocates (bottom row) Shianne Lee and Anna Hedden with the Powell-Drescher OCRF, Dianne Weidman with the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, and Deborah Binder with the Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation. Top row: Dean Ken Nephew with ECI panel moderator Rachel Vogel, DOD Science Officer Melanie Neagley, Deputy Dean Ronny Drapkin, and OCRP Program Manager Sagar Ghosh
2023 Patient Advocate Dianne Weidman during the patient panel discussion.
2023 Patient Advocate Anna Hedden during the patient panel discussion.
2023 Patient Advocate Deborah Binder during the patient panel discussion.
2023 Patient Advocate Anna Hedden with OCA Dean Ken Nephew at Axe Throwing.
2023 Patient Advocate Shianne Lee at Axe Throwing.