September 2, 2005

Battling ovarian cancer, supporting MGH research

Anne Helman knows she has a purpose in her life, and that is the reason she and her husband, Jon, have established the Anne R. and Jonathan S. Helman Ovarian Cancer Fund at the MGH. After she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2003, went through surgery, treatment and remission, Helman's cancer recurred in May 2004. Her humanitarian spirit kicked in, and Helman established the fund to provide support for a three-year, quality-of-life study for ovarian cancer patients. Helman also plans to establish a second fund within the next few months to help subsidize the wide range of concerns facing ovarian cancer patients who lack proper insurance coverage — such as hair replacement, prescription assistance, living expenses, childcare, transportation and travel costs to the MGH.

From left, Roche, Gibson, Penson, the Helmans and Krasner

On Aug. 8, the Helmans presented a check to Richard Penson, MD; Carolyn Krasner, MD; Maria Roche, MS; and Carolyn Gibson; all of the Gillette Center for Women's Cancers. Even though the fund was recently created, the Helmans have already met their fundraising goal for the first year.

"Being diagnosed with a recurrence was rougher for me than the original diagnosis because of the realization that I was then dealing with the monumental challenge of living day-by-day with a disease for which there is no cure, and for which there is so much uncertainty," says Helman. "I knew if I felt that way, others also must share some of these feelings. I believe that this research will bring us a giant step closer to understanding how to best improve a patient's experience. Whether I help five women, 50 women or hundreds of women, my goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of women battling ovarian cancer."

For more information about the fund, visit www.anne-ovarian.org.