The loss of close friends to ovarian cancer and concern for the future health of her two daughters motivated Liz Heliotis to create the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation with Associate Professor Tom Jobling.
Liz set about utilising her background as a paralegal and businesswoman to raise the profile of this often-fatal disease. Her focus was to directionally establish a stand-alone research facility that could prosper the long overdue early detection for this insidious disease. Her determined and professional and approach to the corporate sector resulted in securing the National Australia Bank as founding partner, making the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation a reality. Liz is particularly proud of the fact that the Foundation is a business in its own right, with all money raised going directly to research.
Liz was instrumental in creating the highly successful Silver Ribbon Campaign. With the strong support and infrastructure of the NAB the Silver Ribbon Campaign has raised significant funds for this vital research. The formidable partnership between the OCRF and NAB has created an impact on the global stage in supporting women's health.
Liz had a vision to celebrate the journey of cancer as "living with cancer" rather than the negative message too often absorbed. She initiated and created a stunning black and white coffee table book called Exposure, supported by the amazing talents of photographer Jason Loucas and graphic design genius Paul Giorgilli. Since then Exposure has been supported by a CD Exposure featuring John Farnham, amongst other celebrated artists, and more recently a lip gloss Lip Exposure. Liz has forged a rewarding partnership with Peter Lew and the stylish Witchery brand as exclusive retail partner for the Foundation. Witchery promotes the Ovarian Cancer Silver Ribbon in store, sold the CD Exposure and proudly sells lip gloss Lip Exposure. These initiatives continue to raise awareness and significant funds to prosper research.
We must celebrate the courage and dignity of the many women afflicted with this illness and promote the concept that cancer is a word, not a sentence, she says.
Helen Dower commenced with the OCRF in November of 2006 as Personal Assistant to Liz Heliotis, CEO/Co-Founder and can be contacted on helen@ocrf.com.au regarding general enquiries on the Foundation or fundraising activities.