First Susan M. Roman Scholarships Will Be Awarded To Veterinary Students At Fundraiser

CHICAGO - March 26, 2013 - PRLog -- The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) is partnering with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) to raise awareness surrounding the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer through the new OCSA Veterinary Outreach Program (VOP). The VOP offers a first-ever collaboration that is designed to open new channels of communication and raise awareness about the silent and often-ignored symptoms of ovarian cancer. With strong engagement and support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, leaders in the community and veterinary industry and over 150 guests will share this first-time fundraiser and Susan M. Roman Scholarship Awards Dinner on Sunday, July 21, a date coinciding with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 150th anniversary celebration.

The fundraising event will feature a keynote address by Chicago veterinary icon Dr. Sheldon Rubin. Dr. Rubin is a nationally recognized pet health expert and sought-after radio and television guest on shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Steve Dale's Pet World and more as he promotes responsible pet ownership. Steve Dale, certified dog/cat behavior consultant, syndicated newspaper columnist, and national radio host will serve as the event emcee and Roger Mahr, DVM and CEO of the One Health Commission plus other notable speakers will also be presenting.

The event at The Signature Room at the 95th will include a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception as well as a gourmet three-course menu to be served. There will be a silent auction available for all guests with great prizes and an informative program that will include the presentation of three $5,000 scholarships to promising veterinary students who have exhibited a passion for the human animal bond and the value of the involvement in the one health initiative.

Each year, over 20,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and approximately 14,000 women die from the disease. There is an urgent need to share the silent symptoms so early detection and treatment are achieved, and lives are saved. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 80 percent of veterinarians graduating today are female. This increases the possibility of a personal connection to the disease and a viable tie to the purpose of the VOP.  

OCSA’s new VOP engages and collaborates with veterinarians, whose medical discipline is charged with promoting and protecting public health, ensuring an environment free from animal-borne diseases in addition to caring for the animals they serve. To further show their support of the veterinary community, OCSA has also established a veterinary scholarship in the name of OCSA co-founder, Susan M. Roman, who lost her life in early 2012.

Early Bird tickets available at $100 for individuals and $950 per table of 10 through May 20. Regular priced tickets will be available May 21 at $125 for individuals and $1125 per table of 10.

Purchase tickets and find more information about OCSA or this new, forward-thinking awareness program, visit http://www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Contact Vallie Szymanski, executive director of OCSA: vallie.szymanski@ocsachicago.org or (312)-280-0457.

About the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA)

OCSA is a Section 501 (c) (3) charitable organization founded in 2010 to educate women and their families about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer and the need for early detection and treatment. Donations to OCSA are deductible as a charitable gift. For questions concerning tax deductibility, please consult a tax advisor. Follow the accomplishments and find key information about this cause on Facebook at Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness, on Twitter @ocsachicagoorg, or visit http://www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org