Understanding Our Funds

Donations made directly to Belles with Balls NL provide flexible funding that allows us to respond to the evolving needs of ovarian cancer patients, education initiatives, awareness campaigns, research support, and women’s overall health projects throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Because these funds are not restricted to one institution or program, we can help where support is needed most.

Over the years, community support has helped us fund and support initiatives including:

• HIPEC PERFUSION PUMP
  • Contributed $100,000 toward the purchase of a HIPEC Perfusion Pump for the Health Sciences Centre. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is an advanced treatment used for certain ovarian cancer patients during surgery. Heated chemotherapy is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity to target cancer cells more directly. Access to this technology helps support specialized cancer care within Newfoundland and Labrador.
    

• DA VINCI ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM
  • We committed $300,000 toward the purchase of a da Vinci robotic surgical system. This technology assists surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. For gynecologic oncology patients, robotic-assisted surgery can help support smaller incisions, improved surgical accuracy, and potentially shorter recovery times.

• RESEARCH SUPPORT
  • Funding has also supported collaborative research initiatives, including MITACS-supported projects and ovarian cancer research partnerships within Newfoundland and Labrador. These initiatives help advance knowledge, innovation, and local research opportunities. See MUN partnership research findings in the white block below.

• AWARENESS & EDUCATION OUTREACH
  • Beyond equipment and research, Belles with Balls NL invests heavily in awareness and education initiatives throughout the province, including:
    • Educational materials and awareness campaigns 
    • Public speaking engagements and community outreach 
    • Media interviews and educational discussions with NTV, CBC, VOCM, podcasts, and other platforms 
    • “Sounding the Belles – Our Stories,” a documentary focused on ovarian cancer awareness, lived experiences, and education (click to view)
    • Presentations at conferences and educational events focused on women’s health and ovarian cancer awareness 

Every project we support is driven by one goal: improving ovarian cancer awareness, education, research, and support for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Ovarian Cancer Research and Education NL Fund (OCRE-NL), housed within Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, supports ovarian cancer-specific research and education initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. Donations directed to OCRE-NL help fund structured academic and research-focused initiatives and are eligible for charitable tax receipts.

Over the years, community support has helped us fund and support initiatives including:

• RESEARCH GRANTS & INNOVATION
  • OCRE-NL has funded internal Medical Research Foundation grants at Memorial University of Newfoundland focused specifically on ovarian cancer research in Newfoundland and Labrador. These projects support ongoing work in prevention, early detection, survivorship, genetics, and risk reduction. 

• Dr. Lesa Dawson – Supporting work on a large population-based study exploring the genetics of gynecological cancers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Partially funded the published article below on the topic of identifying a new variant of the “RAD51C” Gene Mutation associated with ovarian cancer in NL. (click to view article)

• Dr. Jules Dore – Research focused on defining the roles of Engrailed 2 in the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

• Dr. Patti Power – Research examining whether geography impacts ovarian cancer survival rates in Newfoundland and Labrador.

• EDUCATION THROUGH EXPOSIUMS
  • OCRE-NL’s Exposiums bring together physicians, researchers, allied health professionals, survivors, and community members to share evidence-based information and current research developments related to ovarian cancer. Topics over the years have included:
    • Genetics and hereditary ovarian cancer 
    • Prevention and risk reduction 
    • Survivorship and wellness 
    • Sexual wellness and quality of life 
    • Rare ovarian cancer subtypes 
    • Advances in treatment and surgical care
    • Nutrition 
    • Sleep and overall wellbeing during cancer treatment

These events have featured respected physicians, researchers, psychologists, genetic specialists, dieticians, pharmacists, and survivors from Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

• TRAINING & EDUCATION EQUIPMENT
  • We funded two All-In-One Simulated Trainer Systems used to help train medical professionals in laparoscopic surgical techniques. These simulation-based systems support hands-on learning and skill development for minimally invasive procedures.