5K Partners

Since its inception in 1995, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) has been committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the country and to providing education, support and hope for women with ovarian cancer and their families. NOCC has established itself as an important national advocate for patients and families struggling with ovarian cancer. Committed volunteers continue to build chapters throughout the country and work together to advance NOCC’s education and awareness efforts.

NOCC MISSION: To raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.

NOCC GOALS: Provide the medical community and general population with a national resource focused solely on ovarian cancer - Offer complete and accurate information regarding ovarian cancer - Raise awareness about the incidence, prevalence, and clinical presentations of ovarian cancer - Initiate patient/physician discussions about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer - Obtain more funding for patient, public and professional education in addition to funding to improve the quality of life for ovarian cancer survivors.

NOCC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization under IRS code.

NOCC awarded ICA Seal of Excellence; award is based upon rigorous independent reviews, being able to certify & document on an annual basis meeting the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and costs effectiveness.

For the 3rd consecutive year, the NOCC is rated 4, out of 4 possible stars by Charity Navigator ~ America's premier independent charity evaluator. NOCC has demonstrated exceptional financial health, outperforming most of its peers in its efforts to manage and grow it finances in the most fiscally responsible way possible. WWW.CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG

The Downtown West Orange Alliance, Inc. is the non-profit organization that manages the town's Special Improvement District (SID). The DWOA was formed in August 1998 through the ordinance that also established the SID. Recognizing the unique contributions made by the residential, historic and commercial properties that collectively form our "downtown," the Township of West Orange created the SID to encourage economic revitalization of the neighborhoods known as Tory Corner, Eagle Rock, St. Mark's and the Valley.  Since West Orange is a magnet for new residents, the revitalization of the Downtown area will enhance the  community as it continues to experience increased property values in both the consumer and business segments.

The Vision Statement of the DWOA states the Board's ultimate goal for the downtown of West Orange and is as follows:  To create a town center that marries the historic past of West Orange with a future that includes a variety of retail stores, family-oriented as well as upscale restaurants and entertainment facilities, and medium and high rent residences. Downtown will become a magnet for residents of West Orange and the surrounding area who will view it as the place to spend their money and time. As such, downtown West Orange will become a community that will experience increases in property values in both the consumer and business segments.

The Board sets the work plan and goals of the DWOA each year based on current needs of the district. Those plans are coordinated and administered by its Executive Director, Megan Brill. Ms. Brill works on a daily basis with local business and property owners on everything from design and leasing assistance to helping with permits or adherence to township codes. The scope of work done by the Executive Director includes: Administration of grant applications, organization of events, recruitment of businesses, redevelopment of the Edison Battery building, downtown maintenance and landscaping, and regular office management. The Board and volunteers assist whenever possible to carry out tasks that continually enhance and improve the downtown district. If you'd like more information about the work of the Downtown West Orange Alliance or would like assistance in any area, please contact us through email at downtown@westorange.org or by phone at 973-325-4109.

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. Although prevention and early detection can help save lives, according to the American Cancer Society, only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage.

Ovarian cancer has erroneously been thought to be a silent killer because the early symptoms are easily confused with other diseases. The Maureen Fund is a community outreach program that provides free outreach and education programs aimed at prevention, awareness, research, and early detection of ovarian cancer. Through education we can help women recognize high-risk factors in their personal and family history, identify early signs, and empower them to take action. This heightened awareness can help save lives.

Maureen Fund programs include a monthly Lunch and Learn program for patients, caregivers, staff, and the community at the John Theurer Cancer Center. The Lunch and Learn events focus on the latest health topics affecting women. The events are complimentary and lunch will be served.

The 2007 Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk for the Whisper, held in West Orange at Township Hall, attracted 500 runners and walkers, 30 vendors, and scores of volunteers to raise awareness and funds in the battle against Ovarian Cancer. The Run/Walk for the Whisper was organized by the Downtown West Orange Alliance and the Northern NJ Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. The event was held in memory of our friend Maureen Roehnelt, wife, mother, sister and Governor Richard Codey’s trusted aide of thirty years, and in honor of West Orange resident Shari-beth Susskind, an Ovarian Cancer survivor. It was Shari-beth’s dream to host a run for OC in West Orange and it was a testament to the character and commitment of all involved that the event was bigger than anyone could have dreamed of.

More than $65,000 was raised which was distributed to the NOCC, The Maureen Fund and the Mayor’s Sunshine Fund. What was even more significant was the raising of the spirits of the family members and friends of those lost to Ovarian Cancer, the raising of the courage of those who battle on against the disease and the raising of awareness of the subtle symptoms to watch for and the steps to take for early detection.