The Voice for Ovarian Cancer Leadership Award is bestowed by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance upon an outstanding community leader who has the capacity to influence others in raising awareness of ovarian cancer.

This year's recipient was Dr. Patricia Modrow, program manager for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program, in recognition of her dedication to the effort of eliminating ovarian cancer. Modrow was presented with this award by OCNA Board of Directors? President Christy Schmidt July 12 at the 13th Annual Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference in Washington, D.C.

Modrow received the award due to her dedication and commitment in finding and funding the best ovarian cancer research as Program Manager for the DOD Ovarian Cancer Research Program and for encouraging the participation of ovarian cancer survivors in the research process. Under her leadership, she has managed over $160 million in Congressional appropriations specifically for extramural ovarian cancer research resulting in over 210 research awards. She has also welcomed over 100 ovarian cancer survivors who have participated in establishing the OCRP?s research priorities, research funding opportunities, and funding recommendations.

In her quest to find the best research for the dollars, Modrow has initiated innovative funding mechanisms never before seen in the research community. For example, this August Modrow will launch the Ovarian Cancer Academy, a virtual, interactive career development and research training platform for Early-Career ovarian cancer Investigators from seven different research institutions.

In addition to serving as program manager of the OCRP, Modrow serves as the Conference Chair for the 6th Era of Hope meeting for the DOD Breast Cancer Research Program. She was also the initial Program Manager starting up the DOD Lung Cancer Research Program, and served as the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program?s Small Business Innovative Research Program within the DOD.