Los Angeles Sparks Spotlight Ovarian Cancer Nonprofit

LOS ANGELES—The Ovarian Cancer Circle was spotlighted by the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, who played the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team on Sunday, Sept. 11.

The LA Sparks supported the Circle by providing tickets at no charge to the nonprofit for fans who had bought tickets to support the Ovarian Cancer Circle. Other support came from an auction of Hollywood memorabilia and direct donations from fans. And any Ovarian Cancer Circle ticket holder will receive one complimentary playoff ticket to the first home playoff game.

Early Detection and Treatment

The Circle is a nonprofit that promotes awareness and early testing of any symptoms that may be related to ovarian cancer. See their website for stories of those who were sensitive to their bodies and acted quickly for testing and treatment.

As the evening progressed, many fans attending the game stopped at one or more of the three tables along the south corridor. Large Tupperware donation bowls soon filled, even before the intermission with anything from dollar bills to $20s. Those in attendance at the game were very gracious.

Robin’s Story Inspired the Ovarian Cancer Circle

The Ovarian Cancer Circle was started to raise awareness about this variety of cancer, after it claimed the life of Robin Babbini, a vibrant and active youth who was diagnosed at 17.

Robin was your active teenager and honor student, engaged in numerous high school activities—co-captain of the cheerleading squad, homecoming queen, and involved in dramatic arts. Her dynamic life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer while still in high school, and a total hysterectomy soon followed, and then came chemo treatments.

Amazingly, with unrivaled optimism and positivity, she completed her classes, graduated high school and began her freshman year at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

The cancer recurred six short months later, followed by another surgery, only to find out the cancer had metastasized and she was now considered chronic. Robin began endless, continuous, and different types of cancer treatments.

Robin’s determination and everlasting hope gave her the strength to pledge the national sorority, KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA, and she persevered to continue academic studies. She participated as co-captain at the American Cancer’s Relay for Life at UCSB and, despite her weakening and debilitated condition, gave a gut wrenching, inspirational speech convinced that one day there would be a cure and the suffering would be eradicated.

Six weeks later Robin lost her valiant battle at the young age of 20.

The Ovarian Cancer Circle: http://www.theovariancancercircle.org