Alexandra Libstag's Fundraiser:

Don’t Postpone Joy.

Everyday for 10 years my mother looked to those three words. She strove to embody them—to become them—as she faced her world of uncertainty.  Doctor’s appointments and chemotherapy, medications and allergic reactions—through it all, she kept her head held high. She smiled—her eyes twinkled. She looked forward. She kept going. 

On November 6th I will be running the New York City Marathon in honor and memory of my Warrior Mama, Margo Adler-Libstag. In 2004, Margo was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer.  For 10 years she fought, demonstrating bravery in periods of unknown, resilience in times of pain, and on June 2, 2014, grace in the face of death. 

  My mother continues to guide me, just as she guided me for the first 21 years of my life.  Best friends, confidants—my mom and I used these words for one another. But our bond was greater than that. We were each other’s sixth sense—connected on some level that was beyond us. She was, and is, my heart. On November 6th, I will be running for my mother and for all daughter’s who have had their mother’s taken from them far too soon at the hands of an illness that is far too greedy. Since being founded in 2014, the New York City Chapter of the NOCC has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the NYC community about ovarian cancer. I am so honored to be running on behalf of Team Teal and I hope you will consider donating to this event. Your donation will help save lives. Thank you to those showing support now and to those who have continued to show support to myself and my family over the past two years. 

Thank you!

​The mission of the the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is to save lives by fighting tirelessly to prevent and cure ovarian cancer, and to improve the quality of life for survivors.  For 25 years, the NOCC has been committed to raising awareness, promoting education and funding research in support of women, families and communities touched by ovarian cancer. 

More than 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages when the prognosis is poor. However, if diagnosed and treated early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. Through national programs and local Chapter initiatives, the NOCC's goal is to make more people aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer so that we can make progress in improving ovarian cancer mortality rates.

In addition, the NOCC provides information to assist the newly diagnosed patient, to provide hope to survivors, and to support caregivers. The NOCC also supports and funds critical, cutting-edge ovarian cancer research.​

The New York City NOCC Chapter, founded in 2014, is part of a strong network of Tri-State Chapters, which are all working hard to advance the NOCC's mission in our local communities. Our NYC Team Teal will run 26.2 miles on November 6, 2016, and we hope you will consider supporting our runners. All proceeds raised through the TCS New York City Marathon will help us continue to expand the NOCC's programs and provide vital research funding.