The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance turns 25!
The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings around a dining room table to a nationally recognized women’s organization, GOCA continues its education and advocacy work through its Bag of Hope Program, Survivors Teaching Students, and the many education and awareness programs and events held annually across Georgia. The Shaken, Not Stirred Gala, now in its 13th year, promises to gather the community of survivors, family, supporters, and caregivers together for an uplifting evening of remembrance, fellowship, and fundraising.
Threatened by the pandemic, GOCA’s medically fragile community was kept from celebrating its annual fundraising gala, but this year it is going to be different. “As we celebrate GOCA’s 25th Anniversary, we are committed to the founding members’ vision and mission of the importance of ovarian cancer education, awareness, and early detection," says executive director Doug Barron. “After three years of cancellations, the anticipation and positive energy of being able to finally gather in person for the GOCA 2023 Shaken, Not Stirred Gala is very exciting.”
GOCA’s approach to virtual storytelling evolved during the pandemic and they created many memorable biographies, music videos, heartfelt stories of survival, and memorials. These stories and so much more can be viewed on the video page of their newly redesigned website, GAOvarianCancer.org.
Whether supporting the community at the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala, walking with a fundraising team at Teal Trot, or strutting down the runway at Teal to Heal, GOCA’s continued presence in our community and across Georgia strengthens its mission and offers much-needed support to women at every phase of their diagnosis and treatment.
Dale Earnhart's Story
“It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving 2020 when I received my diagnosis at the emergency room,” says Dale. “It is rather cliché, but you never expect those words to be directed to you.” Dale’s two sisters took care of her through her cancer journey and she was surrounded by a great network of friends at her work as well as prayer groups. “One prayer group even had people in France and England praying for me. I was able to see the blessings that God had provided for me," says Dale.
It was her dear friend and co-worker at Georgia Primary Bank, Vicky, who introduced Dale to GOCA and the Teal Trot. “My family and co-workers formed ‘The Earnhart Pit Crew,’" says Dale. At first Dale dreaded the idea, but she admits that the Teal Trot ended up being quite the blessing. The bank even sponsored the event.
Dale’s lasting advice to others is "not to shut down, share with everyone and feel blessed for all the support that you will receive.” The most important part of Dale’s message to others is “to be a gracious receiver of the things that people want to do to help you out.”
Kimberly Claar's Story
Kimberly was diagnosed in July of 2016 and learned about GOCA through one of her chemo nurses. “Let us take care of your cancer,” the nurse said, “and go and live your life.” That was all the advice that Kimberly needed. “I felt hopeful and empowered, as I was very well educated by my doctor,” says Kimberly. “I created a Facebook group where I posted all the details about the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Kimberly was empowered to share and share she did. “I was so taken back watching other women go through chemo with no one with them, so I grabbed my IV pole and started walking around the infusion center to talk with them. I vowed to make a difference.” Kimberly further engages with others as a proud participant in Survivors Teaching Students. She says, “Once I started telling my story to groups, medical students, and anyone who would listen, I never looked back!”
Kimberly’s first Teal Trot was in 2016. She has walked the runway at Teal to Heal and attended her first Shaken, not Stirred Gala in 2017. “I was so touched to know there was such support - that people were passionate about spreading the word and supporting not just my journey, but other journeys as well.”
“Knowledge is power”, says Kimberly. “Do not be afraid to ask questions. There is such a sisterhood with all the Teal Sisters. We have all been there and we all know what it is like to hear those words, "You have ovarian cancer.”
As GOCA continues to grow and evolve, they are always looking for new heroes. There are all kinds of ways to become involved. You can sign up for any event committee, help with fundraising, or even volunteer to help at any of the incredible outreach events that GOCA hosts annually.
The 13th Annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala is being held at Georgia Aquarium on March 11, 2023. For more information about GOCA’s community outreach, survivor programs, and fundraising events or to become a sponsor please visit GAOvarianCancer.org.
"I can't even get my kids together," says Dale, "but my kids, their spouses, all of my grandkids and 10 ladies from work all came to the Teal Trot. It just was overwhelming that they would all take their Saturday morning to do that for me and for GOCA."