Join us Thursday, February 22, in protecting our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives.

The Duke ovarian cancer research program is at the forefront of research exploring the genetic and molecular causes of the disease. The multidisciplinary research team at Duke includes Gynecologic Oncology physicians who care for women with ovarian cancer, molecular biologists, statisticians, epidemiologists and nurses, who are all working together in this endeavor. Through these concerted efforts we have established several large research projects. Among the most notable of these is the North Carolina Ovarian Cancer Study, which has recruited over 2,000 women in the past 6 years. Subjects undergo an in depth interview in their homes about ovarian cancer risk factors, and we also obtain blood and ovarian cancer tissue samples. Simultaneous consideration of behavioral risk factors, genetic susceptibility and molecular changes promises to provide a much more complete picture of the causes of ovarian cancer and how they differ between patients.

Although our work is funded by the National Cancer Institute and other agencies, these funds do not cover all the costs of research. Donations from individual donors and corporations like those raised last year at the Art & Soul event are critically important in assuring that this important women's health research can move ahead optimally. It is our hope that a better understanding of the complex causes of ovarian cancer will lead to the development of effective screening and early detection programs as well as ways of preventing the disease. Knowledge is power — the power to prevent ovarian cancer deaths in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Berchuck
Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Duke University Medical Center

Founders' Letter: From Art & Soul 2006

Art & Soul is a silent auction and art exhibition dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer. This event functions on two levels: to financially support the research efforts of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the Duke Gynecologic Oncology Program, and to serve as a medium for raising women's consciousness about the dangers of ovarian cancer.

This event, founded in memory of Jane H. Hylton, who fought this deadly disease for over three years, seeks to marry the worlds of science and creative expression to develop positive, sustainable changes in the way we approach this illness.

First, Art & Soul is founded on the principle that in order to make gains in the early detection of ovarian cancer - and ultimately finding a cure for the disease - more funding must be channeled toward leading research institutions that are dedicated to this critical women's issue.

Second, Art & Soul hopes to inform; making strides to increase women’s awareness of the silent nature of ovarian cancer. After all, no matter how quickly the advancements in research occur, it will likely be years before such findings can be translated and applied in a way that will serve the preventive healthcare needs of women everywhere. In the meantime, we must all strive to educate the women in our lives. What signs should you look for? Does your mother, sister, wife or daughter suffer from vague, inexplicable symptoms that she writes off to fatigue, aging or stress? Do you know that none of the standard diagnostic tests performed by your gynecologist can detect the presence of this disease? Art & Soul hopes to be an initial stepping stone in the health education process of hundreds, if not thousands, of women.

Finally, we hope that, on February 22nd, Art & Soul can create a thought-provoking atmosphere of positive thinking and increased self-awareness. We see these as two of the many goals of art, in all its mediums. Over 30 artists from the Triangle, Fayetteville, Asheville and cities as far as New York and Santa Fe, have given their time, energy and resources to help create such an environment.

So come, bid with all your heart. Let’s give until it doesn’t hurt.

See you in February,

Laura Bernard
Julie Hylton
Art & Soul