Cause Of Choice: Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, sandyovarian.org
Tell me about the organization. “Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation supports women and families affected by ovarian cancer. We spend most of the year raising funds, which is a full-time job, to fund the most cutting-edge research that will lead to new treatments, and hopefully, one day, a cure. We generally grant anywhere from $300,000 to $400,000 a year for research. We have dozens of applicants from around the country and fund the research that will make it from the bench to the bedside the quickest.”
How did you get involved with this charity? “I first met Robin [Cohen, its co-founder and CEO] a few years ago through a GENERAL HOSPITAL Fantasy Events fundraiser. We seemed to hit it off, and although I am personally not affected by ovarian cancer, I was touched by how hard Robin worked the uphill battle it is to find a cure. It is truly remarkable work that Robin Cohen is doing for the Sandy Rollman Foundation. I jumped in with two feet and I’ve been with them ever since.”
How did you become their celebrity ambassador? “Sandy Rollman was looking to find someone to raise the public profile of their organization, someone who has a social media platform, and also someone who was interested in learning more about their plight. Somehow I fit the bill and Robin asked me to participate. I’m really glad she did. It’s been an education, for sure. This is a cause that very much needed a voice. I use mine to educate the general public about Sandy Rollman and their quest. I’m the spokesperson for the organization and the cause. I also attend as many fundraising events as possible.”
Tell me about some of the fundraising events you’ve done. “I attend the Sandy Sprint Run/Walk every year, generally in April; I attend the Ovarian Cancer Night with the Phillies in September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I also do many private dinners. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the dinners go to the Foundation. But basically the reason we do those dinners around the country is to raise awareness of the organization, as well as creating a grass-roots movement to spread the word about the organization and the cause. We’d like to do an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Tour once it’s safe to get together in person. Right now we are working on virtual events for the rest of the year and most likely early next year. A silver lining is that I can attend everything now since it is all virtual. I personally love meeting new people, raising awareness and helping Sandy raise those funds. I am passionate about every life saved, battle supported and dollar raised. Plus, I think the fact that I am male is a little different. I am so blessed to be able to be doing this. Once we find a cure, God willing, this job and this journey will come to a close.”
Why is volunteerism important to you? “I feel charity work is an effective way to give back to society for all the riches I’ve been blessed with while doing what I love. We are lucky to have a platform, and it’s important for me not to waste that potential.”
