SLOCA speakers Jan Paul, Carol Barrale-Roettger, Beth Hudson and Joann Aldridge speak to nurse-practitioner students at St. Louis University for the Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives program.

Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives

SLOCA participates in a medical education program that was started at the national level by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. It's called Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives.

At each hourlong talk, ovarian cancer survivors tell the story of their experiences with this disease to medical students, nurse-practitioner students and physician assistant students.
Washington University, St. Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis participate in the program.

The women describe for the students their symptoms, then process of how they were diagnosed, how they were given the news of their diagnosis, and a synopsis of their treatment and after care.

Students are surveyed before and after each talk ton asses their knowledge of ovarian cancer and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Many comment that the talks are one of the most memorable segments of their instruction.

To learn more about the program, or to volunteer to be a speaker, e-mail speakers@sloca.org.

Speakers Bureau

SLOCA offers free hourlong presentations on ovarian cancer for civic, school and church group or for brown bag lunches at area businesses.

Trained speakers who are survivors of ovarian cancer, armed with an informative PowerPoint presentation on the disease, will tell the stories of their experiences and answer questions. For very large groups, a physician or oncology nurse will accompany the speakers.

To request the Speakers Bureau for your group, e-mail speakers@sloca.org. Please include the name of the organization; the date, time and place for the meeting, and specific contact information for the person in charge of the meeting.

SLOCA neither charges for the presentation nor solicits donations.

Health Fairs

SLOCA volunteers staff tables at the Working Women's Survival Show, at area festivals and at health fairs throughout the year. They sell t-shirts, jewelry and other items to raise money.

They also hand out brochures, bookmarks teal gel bracelets and ribbon pins and other items to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

To inquire about including SLOCA at your event, e-mail info@sloca.org.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. TAKE ACTION.

SLOCA Membership Chairwoman Barb Platzer selling Lucinda pins for ovarian awareness at the Working Women's Survival Show.