OCC partners with Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin to raise public awareness about ovarian cancer

Sep 11 2009

The Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California (OCC) has partnered with singer/songwriter/actress/philanthropist Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, by launching a public women's health campaign for the fight against ovarian cancer. The campaign's purpose is to educate and provide resources for the general community, raise public awareness of this deadly disease, support research and advocate for increased funding. The campaign also includes a specially written and recorded song by Consuelo for OCC's fundraising, which is now available to be downloaded from the OCC website and Consuelo's online 3D network for artists, www.sohomuse.com. In addition, Consuelo's upcoming schedule includes public service announcements, a performance of God Bless America at Dodgers Stadium on September 15, a Walk/Run for Awareness & Hope with the LA Laker Girls, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day at Dodgers Stadium on September 19, and a variety of other events and programs throughout the month of September and beyond.

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, an eighth generation descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, has dedicated herself and much of her vibrant musical career and charitable efforts to the fight against ovarian cancer. Nearly five years ago, after her mother Serena Vanderbilt Van Ingen McCallum was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Consuelo became a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, lobbying in front of Congress to increase funds and awareness of the disease. Most recently, she has joined a company called the Legacy Group, an innovative licensing firm, developing products under iconic family names where individual royalties are dedicated to charity. Consuelo's designated charity for Legacy is the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, a national organization whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for Ovarian Cancer.

"Consuelo is honoring her mother's legacy in the best way possible - by channeling Serena's will and determination in the fight against ovarian cancer," said Gayle McKenna, Executive Director of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California. "I am genuinely inspired by Consuelo's generosity of spirit and tireless advocacy for our very important cause." Launched in January 2001, the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California was established to save lives through early detection, education and research, by focusing on four important areas - public education, public policy, research and fundraising. For additional information, please visit www.ovariancancercalifornia.com.