OCRF's Ovarian Cycle Rides Again in Chicago

Written by Lainie Gilford

Preparations are underway for the second annual Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) Ovarian Cycle event in Bannockburn, a three-hour indoor cycling event to raise money for ovarian cancer research and patient support. This year’s ride will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12 at Midtown Athletic Club, 2211 Waukegan Road in Bannockburn.

You have cancer.

These are three words that nobody wants to hear. These three words were

spoken to my grandmother fourteen years ago. My grandmother, a Northbrook resident, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and given a 30% chance of survival.

She had a successful surgery, but unfortunately had a recurrence seven years later. Through the years, many forms of treatment were tried to keep her cancer cells at bay. All treatments were eventually exhausted. My grandmother’s doctor suggested they try medication that was not protocol for ovarian cancer, but rather for breast cancer. Luckily, that medication worked, and it continues to work today! My grandmother was fortunate that her doctor was willing to think outside of the box and explore other options.

For the second year in a row I, Lainie Gilford, a 2007 Glenbrook North graduate, will be riding with my mother, a Northbrook resident, and my amazingly supportive friend Carly Ross, a Glenbrook North alumni. We are riding in support of my grandmother, as well as all others who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We are riding to raise awareness of this terrible disease. We are riding to raise money to support researchers so they can find a cure.

Every time my grandmother goes to see her doctor I worry that the medication has stopped working, and that her cancer cells have begun multiplying and growing. Knowing that her current treatment is a last ditch effort is worrisome.

What else can be done to treat my grandmother if this medication becomes ineffective? She has already exhausted all of the other treatment options available today. Last year Ovarian Cycle Chicago successfully raised over $53,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund! I have high hopes that the second annual Ovarian Cycle Chicago will be just as successful.

One of my dear friends Jenna Eisenberg--of Buffalo Grove-- has a mother who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer the summer of 2011. After chemotherapy and radiation, Jenna’s mother can proudly say that she is a survivor. Her mother’s strength and courage inspired Jenna to bring the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s (OCRF) Ovarian Cycle fundraiser to Chicago. Ovarian Cycle is an indoor cycling event that raises money for OCRF. Knowing my experience with ovarian cancer Jenna asked if I would like to help her organize this amazing fundraiser. I of course jumped at the opportunity.

OCRF’s Ovarian Cycle is open to everyone, from beginning riders to experienced indoor cyclists. Participants can ride at their own pace, take breaks, or even ride as a team. With no fundraising minimum, and only a $50 entrance fee (survivors ride for free), riders are encouraged to set fundraising goals, with prizes awarded ranging from water bottles and hats to gym bags and Fitbits. All event participants receive an OCRF Ovarian Cycle t-shirt and gift bag, and refreshments are provided. OCRF’s Ovarian Cycle is sponsored nationally by Coca-Cola and Lara Bar.

To learn more and register, please visit http://ovariancycle.kintera.org/Chicago2015.

About Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF)

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is the largest charity in the United States funding ovarian cancer research. Our mission is to fund scientific research that leads to more effective identification, treatment, and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer, as well as related educational and support initiatives, including the national Woman to Woman gynecologic cancer support program.

Each year there will be approximately 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States, and about 15,500 women will die of the disease. Currently there is no effective means of early detection.

Since 1998, OCRF has awarded 237 grants to scientists at nearly 70 leading medical centers in the U.S., an investment of over $65 million for ovarian cancer research. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, OCRF-sponsored investigators are developing innovative strategies for early detection; exploring the genetics that increase risk for ovarian cancer; understanding the underlying molecular biology of the disease; identifying new and better targets for treatment; and deciphering how and why ovarian cancer spreads, and how to stop it. For more information, please visit www.ocrf.org.

About Midtown Athletic Clubs

Midtown Athletic Clubs is a leader in the upscale fitness club and sports resort industry. What began as a single tennis club in Chicago in 1970, Midtown is now comprised of 10 full-service tennis and fitness facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Locations in Illinois include Chicago, Bannockburn, Oak Park, Palatine and Willowbrook. Other clubs are operated in Atlanta, GA; Overland Park, KS; Rochester, NY; Weston, FL and Montreal, QC. Midtown features a variety of dynamic tennis programs, the latest cardio and strength training equipment, group exercise classes, personal training and spa services.

The clubs offer a warm, inviting environment and provide a special place to connect with family, make new friends and get fit. For more information on Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, call (847) 945-1818 or visit http://www.midtown.com/bannockburn