October 10 2024
Our NRG Communications team interviewed Laurel to discuss the fundraising efforts and her passions surrounding cancer research and health equities.
Can you provide some background on your own personal journey with ovarian cancer?
Answer: On September 9, 1999, I received optimal debulking surgery followed by the standard of care chemotherapy for my Stage III-c ovarian cancer. Optimal debulking surgery is a procedure that removes as much of the tumor as possible. Prior to my diagnosis of ovarian cancer, I had experienced symptoms of the cancer for at least a year and was misdiagnosed at the time. After my surgery and chemotherapy, I recurred in June 2003 with Stage IV ovarian cancer. I underwent a surgical intervention followed by standard chemotherapy and am currently a 25-year survivor.
What made you decide to become an advocate for cancer research and other patients who have been impacted by this disease?
Answer: My second opinion Oncologist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center prescribed a PET scan for my cancer; however, it was not covered by insurance. Why? He did not know. I became the ‘sand under the saddle” at CMS by organizing petitions, letter-writing campaigns, and daily phone calls advocating for other patients. The National Oncologic Patient Registry was a result of my advocacy and collaboration with nuclear medicine physicians. Data from the Registry resulted in a CMS National Coverage Determination.
What can you tell us about your organization WVOCA and its mission or efforts in ovarian cancer?
Answer: Our nonprofit organization was founded on the premise that ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer yet is painfully underfunded. Previously, we directed funds toward the LIvES lifestyle whose Principal Investigator was my second opinion oncologist, David S. Alberts at University of Arizona Cancer Center.
How long has WVOCA been hosting their annual golf tournament and how did this get started?
Answer:Our 17th annual fundraiser is scheduledfor March 6, 2025. A few of my golf friends and supporters joined with me to raise funds for research on a shoestring budget! The event draws 200+ participants; many of our community businesses choose to support our efforts as well.
What about the NRG Health Equity Fellowship sparked WVOCA’s desire to work with and help fund the program?
Answer: Joan Walker MD, and l had worked on various NRG Oncology committees together.I was aware of the need to fund early-career, underrepresented researchers. I discussed the Health Equity Fellowship with the WVOCA Board, and after further discussion our decision was to direct our fund to these Fellowships.
What do you hope to see WVOCA and NRG Oncology accomplish in the future of ovarian cancer research together?
Answer:We hope our support launches preventive approaches for families of patients with ovarian cancer to bring awareness of the disease as well as its symptoms. Genetic testing may reveal how to target the disease precisely to save lives and healthcare costs. We want to contribute toward rewriting the future of ovarian cancer from an oft lethal to a chronic disease.
Learn more about donating to the Health Equity Fellowship program on the NRG Website.
Laurel Pracht, Board President of the West Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WVOCA) and member of the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee, hosted their annual Teal Ribbon Golf Tournament dedicated to raising funds for ovarian cancer research and providing a platform to promote awareness of the disease. As a 25-year ovarian cancer survivor, this is an effort that is near and dear to Laurel’s heart. This year, all of the tournament proceeds were donated to the NRG Oncology Health Equity Fellowship Program to start a fund for an early career, underrepresented minority research specifically focused on ovarian cancer. WVOC is a repeat major contributor to the fellowship program, citing the need to fund future researchers in ovarian cancer care.