Yale School of Medicine's Discovery to Cure Program to Host Walk for Women's Reproductive Cancer Research

The third annual Discovery to Cure – Beverly Levy Walk will be held at Yale University’s Woolsey Hall on College Street in New Haven on Sunday, September 27, 2015. Discovery to Cure, a program of Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, advances the prevention, early detection and treatment of women’s reproductive cancers, which include ovarian, uterine, cervical and endometrial cancers.

The walk, was founded in 2013 by Beverly Levy of Woodbridge, who was battling ovarian cancer at the time. The walk continues in honor of Mrs. Levy, who succumbed to the disease in 2014. In memory of her vision, determination and remarkable energy, the walk honors all women who are fighting or have been lost to gynecologic cancers.

“During her struggle with cancer, the Discovery to Cure campaign became Beverly’s passion,” shared John Levy, Beverly’s husband. “Bev dedicated herself to advocating for prevention, early detection, and the development of innovative treatment so that others wouldn’t have to suffer as she did. This became her life’s work, and with her passing, I hope to continue her legacy.”

The difficulty of recognizing the symptoms of these diseases leave women’s reproductive cancers with a reputation as “silent killers.” Accordingly, the widely recognized Discovery to Cure program, is dedicated to raising awareness for these diseases and providing grants to allow for promising research to prevent, detect and treat these cancers.

“Discovery to Cure bridges the research lab and clinical care to improve the quality of life of patients,” explained Dr. Gil Mor, Director of Reproductive Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. “Additionally, Discovery to Cure provides educational programs to advance the future generations of scientists and physicians that will continue the fight against gynecological cancers.”

The Discovery to Cure Beverly Levy walk Committee is extending an invitation to all local residents to participate in this year’s walk to take one step closer to a cure for the cancers that too many women fall victim to. They are looking forward to having approximately 1,000 participants unite through the walk to help raise the goal of $200,000 for Discovery to Cure.

“After watching my mom suffer and pass away from ovarian cancer, I knew I had to fight not only for my mom, but also for other women and their families” stated Meredith Pacelli, co-chair of the Committee. “With the support of the community, Discovery to Cure will enable more women to survive, have the high quality of life they deserve and be able to watch their children grow up.”

To sign up for the walk, register by September 25 at www.2015discoverytocurewalk.kintera.org or register onsite at the event on September 27 beginning at 10:00 A.M. The opening program for the walk will feature Yale doctors, researchers, survivors and patients. Participants may then choose to walk 0.8, 1.5, or 2.3 mile routes with Yale tour guides in volunteer shirts stationed at various points of interest. In addition, the event will feature local food trucks, a silent auction, prizes and free parking.

For additional information, please email discoverytocure@yale.edu or call 203-737-5225.

About Women’s Reproductive Cancers:
Five main types of cancer affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic cancers. Every woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer and risk increases with age. It is estimated that there will be about 98,000 new cases diagnosed and approximately 30,000 deaths from gynecologic cancers in the United States during 2015. Treatments work best when gynecologic cancers are found early.

About Discovery to Cure at Yale School of Medicine:
Discovery to Cure at Yale School of Medicine was launched in 2003 to provide women with new methods for the prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecologic cancers. The direct connection between the research lab and clinical patient care makes Discovery to Cure the leading center for women’s reproductive cancer research and treatment. For more information about Discovery to Cure, please visit: medicine.yale.edu/obgyn/discovery.