Special Feature
Ovarian cancer is the fifth deadliest cancer among women, causing more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, approximately 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 13,000 will lose their lives to the disease.
Often referred to as the “silent disease,” ovarian cancer presents with vague or subtle symptoms and currently has no simple or reliable screening test. As a result, only about 15% of women are diagnosed in the earliest stages, when the five-year survival rate is highest. Increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms is critical to improving early detection and saving lives. Symptoms may include persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, fatigue, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, back pain, painful intercourse, nausea, menstrual changes, and changes in bowel habits. “Unfortunately, a simple and reliable screening method is not currently available for ovarian cancer. A Pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer,” says Ashley Thompson, Executive Director of the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation (NLOCF). “Paying attention to your body, recognizing persistent symptoms, and maintaining annual gynecological exams are the best tools we currently have for earlier detection. A woman knows her body best. If something feels abnormal or continues for more than a few weeks, she should contact her physician right away.”
In recognition of Mother’s Day, the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host the 23rd Annual Motherwalk 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run on May 9, 2026 at Homewood Central Park. This meaningful community event celebrates women, raises awareness of ovarian cancer’s often-silent symptoms, remembers those who have lost their lives, and honors survivors and those currently battling the disease. Motherwalk will feature a morning filled with purpose and celebration, including music, a kids’ zone, educational displays, merchandise vendors, a Photo Memory Mile, and a moving dove release ceremony. Whitney Woodard, current NLOCF board member and the volunteer coordinator for Motherwalk 2016, is still heavily involved in this event. Last year, she and her two sisters recruited a team of 100 to run in honor of their mother, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2015. “It’s a fun event. You don’t have to be a runner. You can be a walker. Or maybe you just want to come and support the effort,” says Woodard, adding that it is so rewarding to be a part of an event that raises awareness for the signs and symptoms of the disease and raises funds for ovarian cancer research at UAB and provides assistance to women in our community battling the disease.
With an anticipated 700 runners, this inspiring event promises to be both uplifting and impactful. The community is invited to join this powerful celebration of hope, remembrance, and action. For more information about Motherwalk, visit www.cureovariancancer.org or contact Executive Director Ashley Thompson at [email protected] or 205-999-8021.
Learn more here about how NLOCF is actively working to fight ovarian cancer- including raising funds for research at UAB, raising awareness and providing assistance to those battling ovarian cancer in our community through the Just a Need program.
