Survivor Stories

As shocking as it can be to receive a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer, we want you to know that No One Fights Alone. We hope these personal stories of diagnosis, treatment and survival from women who have persevered and triumphed over these diseases provide comfort and support for your journey.

If you would like to share your story, please send it to ogccmail@gmail.com

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Resource Guide

OGCC/Rhonda’s Club has compiled a resource guide for newly diagnosed ovarian and endometrial cancer patients with practical information on what to expect during treatment, frequently asked questions, a glossary of medical terms and other useful facts. This guide is included in our patient care bags distributed free of charge to patients.

Rhonda’s Story

When she learned in 1994 that she had ovarian cancer, Ms. Rhonda Oziel was confronted with a lack of readily available information on the disease and its treatment.

She became a founder of the Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Coalition of Greater Washington, which was later renamed OGCC/Rhonda’s Club in her honor.

Upcoming Events

Ovarian Cycle Washington DC

Saturday, September 14 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

at VIDA Fitness Navy Yard 1212 4^th Street, SE, Washington, DC

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s indoor cycling event returns to Washington DC! Spin for a cure for ovarian cancer at VIDA Fitness at the Yards. Ride solo or with a team or go virtual to show your support! Survivors ride for free.

For more information and to register, go to: https://give.ocrahope.org/dc2019

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Ovarian Cancer Educational Program

at Hope Connections for Cancer Support
Beaumont House at FASEB
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814

on Wednesday, September 18

at 6:30 - 8:00pm

Join Hope Connections guest speaker, Kyra Walters, for a two part program on Ovarian Cancer. Kyra will give an overview of general ovarian cancer information and resources.

The second half of the program will include a discussion on the treatment option of Zejula, and will also include clinical trial results, potential side effects, and resources for financial assistance.

RSVP: Please call 301-634-7500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Central Maryland Chapter sponsors its 10^th annual “Together in Teal” run/walk on Sunday, September 22 at Westfield Annapolis Mall. Details at: runwalk.ovarian.org/Annapolis

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The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) DC Chapter will host a Rejuvenate Retreat where ovarian cancer survivors and their caregivers will receive information, compassion, and encouragement while connecting with others who have been through similar journeys. All events will take place at the Hyatt Regency Reston located at 1800 Presidents Street, Reston VA 20190 on Saturday, September 28 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information: https://events.ovarian.org/rejuvenatedc

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The Foundation for Women’s Cancer presents…

End Women’s Cancer Weekend
in DC on Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3

Attend a free gynecologic cancer education course for all gynecologic cancer patients, family members and anyone else interested in hearing from leading U.S. experts in gynecologic cancer treatment and research.

on Saturday, November 2, 2019
9 am to 4 pm

at JW Marriott Washington DC
1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004

Register today at: www.bit.ly/fwcdc19

Learn more about the National Race to End Women’s Cancer on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 at: www.endwomenscancer.org

In the News...

JoAnn Symons, chair of Rhonda’s Club and an ovarian cancer survivor, was interviewed for WTOP News on doctor-patient communication at:

https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2019/02/the-bad-news-giving-and-receiving-a-terminal-diagnosis/

RHONDA'S CLUB 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Rhonda’s Club is empowered through contributions of time, energy and dollars to support survivors of gynecologic cancers in direct and practical ways, engage in outreach to our community, raise awareness of these diseases, and promote medical research to find better treatments and cures. We have assessed both the measurable and intangible outcomes of our programs in the areas of Medical Education, Assistance to Survivors, Public Awareness and Outreach, and Research in 2018 and present them here for your review. Please read more about our activities here.

We are grateful for your moral and financial support. Every year, we lose too many good women to gynecologic cancers. Please help us turn the tide against these devastating diseases.

Thank you,

JoAnn Symons, chair
Clare Donelan, Treasurer
Pat Goldman, founding member
Susan Kim
Mary Kinler
Karen Ribler
Christy Schmidt
Patricia Seggerman, Secretary
Paige Whitaker
Susan Yaffe-Oziel
Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, Honorary Member

Survivor Stories

Resource Guide

Rhonda’s Story

Upcoming Events

Thank you to our supporters!