Thanks to the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation (NLOCF), Alabama is one of three states currently offering an ovarian cancer car tag – and it is changing the future of ovarian cancer research.
Since the tag's inception, proceeds from each ovarian cancer car tag purchased have gone directly to the Division of Gynecologic Oncology to support ovarian cancer research.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, NLOCF held its 20th annual Motherwalk event and presented the division with a check for $120,000 – bringing total donations from car tags to almost $1.7 million over the years.
“The annual Motherwalk event is a day that allows us to celebrate the great progress that we have made using the funds raised by the NLOCF and the Alabama ovarian cancer license plates,” says Rebecca Arend, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.
Each May, NLOCF holds its Motherwalk 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, celebrate ovarian cancer survivors, and remember those who lost their battle with the disease.
“This race is a day where we all hold hands - survivors, caregivers, health care workers, nurses, researchers, friends, and family - as we strive to raise money and awareness to improve ovarian cancer research through basic science, translation studies, and ultimately clinical trials.”
During the event–while many of UAB’s cancer patients, survivors, and their families are present–the foundation presents a check from the ovarian cancer car tag proceeds to the Division of Gynecologic Oncology to further cancer-specific research.
“Receiving this much for ovarian cancer research from the car tag collectively is amazing considering how uncommon ovarian cancer is compared to other cancers,” says Warner Huh, M.D., FACOG, FACS, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “This car tag has really promoted awareness and the division’s commitment to ovarian research at UAB and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, and we are so grateful.”
NLOCF was founded in 2004 by Lori Livingston in honor of her mother, Norma Livingston, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer. NLOCF’s mission is to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, increase awareness of the disease, and assist those undergoing treatment.
Charlie Waldrep, who lost his daughter to ovarian cancer, is the brain behind the car tag. He worked closely with NLOCF to establish Alabama’s Drive Out Ovarian Cancer car tag to support the foundation’s mission to raise funds for research.
“All of the proceeds of the car tag go directly to the Division of Gynecology Oncology to fund ovarian cancer research – it doesn’t go anywhere else, which is what I think is so unique about this tag,” says Huh.
The Drive Out Ovarian Cancer car tag proceeds were initially used to help find an early detection test for ovarian cancer, but since its creation, it has funded other types of research for the overall cure for ovarian cancer.
“We are so proud that the money raised from this tag stays in the state and goes to UAB,” says Ashley Thompson, executive director for the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. “We are confident that the cure for ovarian cancer will come from UAB.”
In addition to supporting this research, NLOCF provides various medical resources for the division’s cancer patients, including neuropathy support kits, post-surgery kits, gas cards, and more.
“Over the years, we have gotten to know the UAB Gynecologic Oncology team through research and have been able to provide support in other ways through medical resources and additional patient needs,” says Thompson.” Because of the relationship that we established through the car tag, the division felt comfortable coming to us for ways to further help all their cancer patients in the clinic, not just those fighting ovarian cancer.”
The Drive Out Ovarian Cancer car tag’s growth has been dramatic since it was first established, and it has been instrumental in the division’s ability to fund grants specific to furthering ovarian cancer research.
“We are deeply grateful as a department, division, and cancer center to have the advocacy and support of the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation to advance and promote research in this way,” says Huh. “It goes back to the original vision of Charlie Waldrep of just how successful this endeavor could be and has been.”
How to get a Drive Out Ovarian Cancer car tag
For all first-time Drive Out Ovarian Cancer car tag purchases, the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will provide a one-time reimbursement of $50 for your tag fees and a Drive Out Ovarian Cancer t-shirt. In addition to car tags, the Drive Out Ovarian Cancer tag is also available for boats and motorcycles, with all proceeds benefitting NLOCF and the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.
To receive reimbursement, it is asked that you commit to keeping your tag for a minimum of two years. Please email ashley@nlovca.org to get your reimbursement voucher.
“This car tag is a gift that keeps on giving through a simple renewal each year,” says Huh. “Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than when I see a car tag on the road, knowing it affected someone so greatly.”