For Immediate Release
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Washington, DC
Contact: Elizabeth Denlinger (202) 331-1332 x 312  (pdf file upon request)
October 29, 2004

> - Canadian Survivor Awarded "Pulitzer Prize" of Ovarian Cancer
> Advocacy Washington, DC-


Canadian ovarian cancer advocate Sandi Pniauskas received the "Spirit of
Survivorship" award at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's seventh
annual conference. Pniauskas received the top advocacy honor because of
her consistent efforts to help the lives of others who are battling this
often fatal disease. OCNA Board member Deborah Bell presented the award
and described how Pniauskas chose to radically change her life after her
diagnosis. Bell said, "Sandi gave up a successful career and has devoted
her time, as well as considerable resources, to learning about this
disease that suddenly was changing her life. She now spends her time
raising public awareness of ovarian cancer to help others who are
diagnosed with cancer." Pniauskas exceeded the awards criteria,
"particularly as a person who has demonstrated the ability to direct
positive energy, as a model for others, towards overcoming the disease
and through her optimistic approach to inspire and teach community
members."

> Pniauskas advocacy efforts include:


> . Coordination of "Dare to Dream for Ovarian Cancer," a nationwide
> Canadian ovarian cancer awareness event in 2003.


> . Membership on the Breast/Gynecologic Cancer major fundraising
> committee and participation on the Community Advisory Committee at
> Princess Margaret Hospital at the University of Toronto, devoted
> exclusively to cancer research, treatment and education.


> . Numerous presentations including one she made at the 2003 Canadian
> Cochrane Collaboration Third Annual Conference: "Patient and
> Practitioner Partnership - A Practically Perfect Combination"


> . Submission in 2002 of an ovarian cancer paper for the Commission on
> the Future of Health Care in Canada. Out of tens of thousands of
> papers hers was the only one on ovarian cancer.


> The "Spirit of Survivorship" award was named in honor of Cindy
> Melancon, a founder of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance who passed
> away in 2003. When diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1993, Melancon
> discovered there were no support groups for survivors.She founded
> "Conversations" an international newsletter which helped build the
> ovarian cancer community and the advocacy movement. Her spirit created
> a community of hope among cancer survivors. The award is the highest
> honor in the ovarian cancer community.

> During Pniauskas' address to the audience, she emphasized the
> recognition and importance of the 'Spirit of Survivorship' award
> describing it as the  'Pulitzer Prize of Ovarian Cancer'.


> ### The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a patient-led, umbrella
> organization uniting ovarian cancer activists, women's health
> advocates and health care professionals in the effort to increase
> public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to
> advocate for more effective diagnostics, treatments and a cure. Visit
> us at www.ovariancancer.org.  - 17th Street, N.W. . Suite 413 .
> Washington, DC 20006 Telephone: 202-331-1332 . FAX: 202-331-2292 .
> http://www.ovariancancer.org

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