With a multitude of its biggest teams hailing from Mercer Island, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) Rivkin Family SummeRun focused on raising critical funds for ovarian cancer research will transpire at 8 a.m. July 13 at Seward Park in Seattle.

This year will mark the 32nd SummeRun for the Mercer Island Rivkin family. Dr. Saul E. Rivkin founded the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research after his wife Marsha died of ovarian cancer at age 49 after a four-year battle in 1993.

On April 1 of this year, the Seattle-area Rivkin Center retired as a separate entity after joining forces with the New York- and Washington, D.C.-based OCRA.

“This iconic and impactful 5K run/walk has raised over $10 million to date in support of scientific discovery and progress,” reads a press release, adding that the all-ages and all-fitness-level event draws hundreds of participants each year for the crucial fundraising cause. Ovarian and gynecologic cancer survivors may register for free.

Melissa Rivkin, one of five sisters, said it’s deeply meaningful to have the SummeRun held in her mother’s memory.

“It’s wonderful and it’s humbling and it’s really amazing when you think about it for many ways. Certainly as a testament to my mom, but more for the survivors and thrivers and families today,” said Melissa, who lives in Seattle and serves on the OCRA board. “It’s incredible to see this community grow and the support, and also the focus on ovarian cancer get more attention that it really needs.”

Saul, a retired oncologist who has resided on the Island for more than 60 years, said in a press release that he’s proud to see the SummeRun continue to thrive with OCRA.

“For more than 30 years, this event has been a powerful way to honor my late wife Marsha and support everyone affected by ovarian cancer by funding critical research,” he said.

Like last year, Melissa said the SummeRun fundraising goal is $300,000 this time out. She added that the funds will be restricted to support the next round of Rivkin Pilot Grants, which are research grants for investigators to focus on innovative studies in fighting ovarian cancer. Melissa noted that over the years, the Rivkin Center raised more than $17.3 million; through its grants, the center generated more than $300 million in additional research funding.

Touching upon the SummeRun, Melissa explained that it will be a massive opportunity to introduce OCRA to the vast community.

“We’re just going to keep doing that, because even though we’re part of this national organization, our local presence is very important to us and to all of us in Seattle. The people in Seattle, the survivors, the thrivers, the researchers and doctors and patients and their advocates,” she said.

A press release notes that OCRA, “is the largest global organization dedicated to fighting ovarian and gynecologic cancers while supporting patients and families. Since 1994, OCRA has invested $128 million in research, helped secure $3.8 billion in federal research funding, and supports 95,000 individuals annually.”

OCRA President and CEO Audra Moran said the organization she’s been with for 15 years is going stronger than ever after allying with the Rivkin Center. It’s been an ideal fit.

“We’re so excited by the process. It has been incredibly easy. We’ve done this a few times before, and I’d say the Rivkin Center was just a dream to work with. Dr. Rivkin is amazing,” she said.

SummeRun is a historic event, said Moran, adding that Dr. Rivkin has put an immense amount of effort into the run over the years.

“It’s for survivors and their families and friends and anybody that wants to come, but it’s just a great opportunity to get together. We’re going to talk about gynecologic cancer and ovarian cancer research and just being together as a community,” she said.

To register for the event or donate, visit: summerun.ocrahope.org.

Participants move out from the starting line at the 2024 SummeRun. Photo courtesy of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance