OCNA's 12th Annual Celebration of Life in Washington,DC

Join Us in a Celebration of Life!

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's annual conference is about you, and the part you play in helping to find a cure. It's about empowering you to use your story, your voice, and your commitment -- together with other stories and other voices -- until the sounds we make are heard loud and clear by everyone who can help us make a difference.

This is the time. This is the place. This is the Conference where you can help make a difference by playing a part in our united efforts to save women's lives.

We hope you will join forces with us in the Nation's Capital.

Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions including information about registration, scholarships, travel, roommate options, new program highlights and more!

To register and learn more about the Conference, visit www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: Is there a registration fee for the Conference?
There is a cost to attend the Conference and we encourage you to register early to receive the discounted rate.

A: Early Registration (on or before May 31): $150
Regular Registration: $200
Onsite Registration (after July 3): $250
Lobby Day on Capitol Hill has a separate fee. Online registration (on or before June 5): $100


Q: I am interested in attending the Conference; are any scholarships available to help with cost?
A: A limited number of scholarships for travel and registration are available to survivors and caregivers (friends and family). The application process is open until May 15. All applicants will be notified by May 31. To receive an application or donate to our Conference scholarship program, visit our Conference website www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: What hotel should I stay at and are you offering any group rates for attendees?
A: The Conference will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The guestroom rate for Conference attendees is $189 per room, per night whether it is a single or double occupancy. Please make your reservations by June 15, 2009 to receive this group rate. Reservations are on a first-come basis and group rates are subject to availability. Be sure to mention you are attending the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference when making your reservation.

Q: I have never participated in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. I am interested, but nervous. Should I still sign up?
A: Participating in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have during Conference week. It is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with your elected officials and their staff to share your personal story about ovarian cancer as well as ask for their support on a number of Federal efforts that are essential to conquering this disease. You do not need any previous experience to participate. Those who sign up will receive policy training via a telephone conference call before the Conference as well as in-person training during the Conference.

Q: This is my first time attending and I'm coming alone.Is there an opportunity for me to meet new people?
A: As part of our Welcome Reception this year we are offering a Newcomers Gathering, to give you a chance to meet others who are new to the Conference, before the actual activities begin. We also are launching a Newcomers Buddy System which pairs newcomers with Conference veterans. If you are interested in participating in this new program, be sure to check the appropriate box on your registration form. Buddies will be paired at the Newcomers Gathering on Monday, July 6th.

Q: I have attended the Conference before, and am wondering if there are new programs being offered this year?
A:In addition to our usually jam-packed agenda, we are happy to have a variety of new programs to offer this year including:
Designated reception area called "Legacy Corner" where women are invited to share their unique stories about overcoming cancer. The "Legacy Corner" will provide a place to rest, share and participate in the conference in a more personal manner. There are a limited number of interviews available, and are on a first-come-first-served basis. More details coming soon.
Bigger and better Clinical Trials Forum which will showcase a variety of ovarian cancer clinical trials currently being conducted throughout the United States. No other programs are scheduled during the forum so everyone will have a chance to attend. Furthermore, we are including a featured speaker at the Clinical Trials Forum will discuss the basics of ovarian cancer clinical trials, what they are, why they are important and explain the key components of clinical trial design.
Newcomers Gathering which will give newcomers a chance to meet others who are attending the Conference for the first time. We are also launching a Newcomers Buddy System which pairs newcomers with conference veterans. If you are interested in participating in this new program, be sure to check the appropriate box on your registration form. Buddies will be paired at the Newcomers Gathering on Monday, July 6th.
For the most up-to-date agenda and program listing fo to www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: When making my travel arrangements to attend the Conference, what day and time should I plan to arrive?
A: Although the main Conference activities do not officially begin until Tuesday, July 7th, we have some great pre-conference activities lined up for Monday, July 6th. We will start Monday evening at 4:00 p.m. with a Welcome Reception and Newcomers Gathering. These will be followed by some old favorites, Ovarian Cancer 101 and Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives(sm). For the most up-to-date agenda www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: What is included in my Conference registration fee?
A: Your registration fee covers Conference sessions, a comprehensive conference binder and other materials, event meal functions (continental breakfasts and lunches) on Tuesday and Wednesday and a reception on Tuesday evening. The registration fee does not cover travel costs, dinners and hotel accommodations which are the responsibility of the individual.

Q: I'm interested in exhibiting at the Conference, how do I sign up?
A: One of the most popular components of the Conference is the Exhibit Hall Marketplace. Open every day of the Conference, the Exhibit Hall Marketplace is a forum for participants to learn about our Conference sponsors, Partner Member organizations, health care companies and other national organizations working on cancer issues. It is also participants' favorite location for catching up with old friends and connecting with local, state and regional support groups. To register as an exhibitor, visit the Exhibitor section of the Conference website www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: I'm interested in sponsoring the Conference, how do I sign up?
A: The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is grateful to the corporations, foundations and individuals which support the Conference through financial contributions and product and service donations. Our sponsors enable the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance to make the conference accessible to as many survivors as possible. To register as a conference sponsor, visit the Sponsor section of the Conference website www.ovariancancer.org/conference

Q: I want to find a roommate for the Conference, but I don't know anyone else going. How do I find one?
A: We have set up a special online forum that will allow attendees to communicate with each other about any Conference related topics, including finding a roommate. This forum is part of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's online community.

Q: Can you tell me more about the Clinical Trials Forum being offered this year?
A: This year our Clinical Trials Forum is going to be bigger and better than ever before. It will showcase a variety of ovarian cancer clinical trials currently being conducted throughout the United States. Dr. William McGuire, the Medical Director of Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute at Franklin Square, will start the Forum by talking about the basics of ovarian cancer clinical trials, what they are, why they are important and explain key components of clinical trial design. You then will have the opportunity to visit with representatives of these trials one on one and learn how you can become part of a trial.

Q: I want to come, but am in treatment. If I'm not feeling up to it, is there a cancellation fee?
A: Any cancellations on or before June 29 will be refunded, minus a $25 administrative fee and any applicable credit card transaction fees. Cancellations after June 29 are not refundable.



Q: Will I have an opportunity to meet people from my home state?
A: You will have many chances to meet people from your home state. This year, the Conference nametag will feature your city and state to help participants encourage new introductions.

Q: Should I bring my husband/friend/caregiver/daughter or someone else close to me?
A: We are pleased to have a variety of sessions designed for caregivers, whether they are husbands, friends, daughters or someone else close to you. These sessions will provide ample opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences and offer words of encouragement to each other. We encourage you to bring anyone important to you because caregivers are essential in helping their loved ones cope with ovarian cancer.

For any additional questions please contact Liz White, Director of Events for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, at 202-331-1332 or lwhite@ovariancancer.org