Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz (CD5) and Monica Rodriguez (CD7) presented a commendation to The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini, UCLA gynecologic oncologist Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, and a group of ovarian cancer survivors in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday morning. In addition, Los Angeles City Hall and will illuminate teal colored lights on its façade for three nights for Ovarian Cancer Awareness, starting September 18th. Teal is the nationally recognized color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness in the month of September.
This was the third year the group has been recognized for its efforts to educate the public about the disease, highlighting the often missed, silent symptoms and the importance of being your own health care advocate. A local non-profit grassroots organization, The Ovarian Cancer Circle was founded by Paulinda Babbini, a North Hollywood resident, after her 20 year-old daughter Robin died from the disease. Babbini has raised more than $700,000 locally for ovarian cancer research.
“If I had know then, what I know now, I think my daughter would be alive,” Babbini told the Buzz yesterday. She was joined by a “circle” of women dressed in black with teal scarves.
Ovarian Cancer is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers. More than 22,000 women are diagnosed each year with a 50 percent mortality rate. And for those who fight it successfully, there is still a 50 percent chance of recurrence. Ovarian Cancer can happen to any woman of any age. Women should know that while annual pap tests determine cervical cancer, they do not detect ovarian cancer. In fact, there is no early detection test for the disease other than a CA125 (which measures for the cancer antigen 125 protein) which is not always accurate. As a result, ovarian cancer usually gets diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which is partly why it has a high mortality rate. The Ovarian Circle urges women to learn about the symptoms and talk to their doctors about a transvaginal ultrasound exam, even though insurance companies may not cover the procedure.
 and Monica Rodriguez (CD7) commend the Ovarian Cancer Circle at the City Council meeting on Wednesday){kind=link}
Paulinda, congratulations on the much-deserved recognition.
Thank you, Laura. City Hall & the LAX pylons are illuminated in teal the national color of ovarian cancer in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
Thank you so much, Patti Lombard for posting The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired By Robin Babbini ‘s important day being recognized by Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Nury Martinez, Monica Rodriguez proclaiming September 18th Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day.