Ovar’coming Together Grants Research Funds
January 1, 2006

Two Indiana researchers will share $30,000 in Ovar’coming Together research grants for 2006. Dr. Philip Low, Purdue University, College of Science, West Lafayette, will receive a $20,000 research grant. Dr. Curt Balch, Indiana University, Research and Sponsored Programs, Indianapolis, will receive a $10,000 research award.

Dr. Low, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University, is investigating the detecting markers of metastic ovarian cancer cells through the skin, using a laser beam and 2-photon microscope. Dr. Low is also chief science officer of Endocyte, Inc., a Purdue University research public-private partnership that is supported by Indiana’s 21st Century Research and Development Fund and has a goal of developing treatment methods that ultimately may cure some cancers.

Dr. Balch is a research assistant professor in Indiana University’s Medical Sciences Program, who has done prior research in inhibiting growth of ovarian cancer cells. Dr. Balch will use the Ovar’coming Together research grant to continue his study of strategies to avoid or reverse resistance to chemotherapy drugs and treatments.

Ovar’coming Together awarded the grants to both medical researchers on Monday March 27. Since its founding in 1996, Ovar’coming Together has developed an extensive state-wide program to fight ovarian cancer in Indiana through education, awareness, advocacy and partnerships with the medical community and other cancer-oriented organizations. For the first time since its founding, the organization is also committed to supporting Indiana research efforts that work toward ovarian cancer’s early detection and a cure.

“We are proud to support researchers whose work each year will make a difference in thousands of women’s lives and in the lives of their families,” said Karyn Mosiman, Ovar’coming Together Board Member and Chair of the Research Committee. “With each new grant awarded, new steps are being taken toward fighting this silent killer.”

“We find inspiration in the women who are valiantly facing ovarian cancer and in those who have regrettably lost their lives to this disease. Ovar’coming Together’s goal in bringing together survivors and supporters with Indiana’s research institutions is to ensure researchers are responsive to the needs of survivors,” Mosiman added.

Pictured from left: Dick McFarland, representing the estate of Sally McFarland; Kolleen Stacey, Chairman of the Board; Dr. Philip Low, Purdue University; Dr. Curt Balch, Indiana University; Karyn Mosiman, Research Committee Chairman

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