Ovarian Awareness of KY

Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky (OAK) was born from a shared mission between two women determined to change the journey for those facing ovarian and gynecologic cancers. In April 2001, Jill Doimer and the late Judy Morris co-founded OAK with the goal of offering support, education, and empowerment to women navigating these difficult diagnoses.Jill and Judy's monthly support groups, 2001 

Judy had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a time when no local support existed in Louisville. She envisioned something better for the women who would come after her—something she never had. Jill’s mother, living in another state, was also battling ovarian cancer. The two women met online through the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) Ovarian Cancer Problems Discussion List Group. Their shared experiences and determination sparked a powerful alliance. Together, they began planting the seeds of what would grow into a strong and compassionate organization—like the oak tree it’s named for.

What began as a grassroots effort quickly took root. Jill and Judy saw the urgent need to extend their support beyond ovarian cancer to all gynecologic cancers, as no resources or groups were available to women with these diagnoses either. They partnered with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and trained to build a foundation that could reach beyond Louisville and touch the lives of women across Kentucky.

As OAK expanded, so did its vision. The founders recognized that awareness is just as vital as support—many women being diagnosed at later stages because they don't know the symptoms. OAK began focusing not only on support services but also on robust education and outreach, working with medical students, healthcare professionals, and communities to bring early detection to the forefront.

Today, OAK stands as a beacon of strength, education, and support. The organization has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has raised over $90,000 to fund local cancer research. OAK continues to offer a wide range of free services that empower women with ovarian and gynecologic cancers, including:

• Educational outreach to patients and healthcare providers

• Monthly support meetings for women facing all types of gynecologic cancers

• Teal Sister care bags to provide comfort and essentials during treatment

• Help a Sister, a financial assistance program to ease the burden of care

• Community and civic engagement, spreading awareness about early signs and symptoms

• Medical education, with survivors teaching students to recognize gynecologic cancer signs

• Annual survivor celebrations and fellowship dinners, building a network of strength and resilience

• Educational symposiums and training opportunities to promote self-advocacy and awareness

Picnic for survivors, one of the many events supporting and connecting survivors over the few years. 

Each of these efforts is a testament to Jill and Judy’s original vision: to ensure no one faces ovarian or gynecologic cancer alone.

But none of this is possible without the generosity of donors like you. Every dollar you give helps us educate more providers, support more patients, and bring more hope to our community.

Join us in planting seeds of support and strength—donate to Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky today.