low-grade serous ovarian cancer initiative

The Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative is a global project led by the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand. Founded in 2018 and originally called Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, we were the first organisation dedicated to low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).

Finding a cure for LGSOC remains at the heart of our work today.

Our vision

Every woman has the chance to live the life she wants, free from low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Our mission

To radically improve survival of women with low-grade serous ovarian cancer through research and to provide good information to enable and empower them to make informed decisions about their care.

Our work

Research is key

We support leading LGSOC researchers across five countries through partnerships with local charities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and directly in our home country, New Zealand.

Together, we are advancing LGSOC knowledge to improve, repurpose, and discover new treatments for LGSOC.

Knowledge is power

We provide resources to help people with LGSOC recognise what good care looks like and to empower them to take part in their medical decision making.

This includes our newly diagnosed guide, information on side-effect management and a clinical trials finder.

The importance of community

A rare cancer diagnosis can be isolating. We host dedicated LGSOC support groups to help those affected by LGSOC find connection and understanding through shared experiences.

Our impact

Helped our community fund over $500,000 of low-grade serous ovarian cancer research across five countries.
Over 700 people with LGSOC, and more than 200 caregivers supported through our online support groups.
The most comprehensive source of LGSOC information for women and their families.
Recipient of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Impact Award in 2021.

Our story

Our founder, Jane Ludemann, was just 32 years old when she was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Prior to her diagnosis, she spent over two years visiting doctors and searching for answers to her persistent symptoms, only to be told that nothing was wrong. In 2017, she needed emergency surgery and woke up to the devastating news that completely changed her life – she had low-grade serous ovarian cancer. At the time her doctors told her she likely had five to fifteen years left to live.

With a background in health, Jane was shocked to discover how little research had been done on LGSOC and that no ovarian cancer charity in the world was regularly funding research on it.

In 2018, Jane launched Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, building relationships with the leading LGSOC researchers in the world and establishing partnerships with local organisations to create pathways for people to donate and fundraise for LGSOC research globally. Two years later, Cure Our Ovarian Cancer expanded its activities in New Zealand to become the country’s ovarian cancer charity.

Jane led the organisation for five years as a volunteer, with support from our trustees and other generous volunteers, all while undergoing cancer treatment.

In 2023, we welcomed our first employees, and in 2024, we rebranded our global LGSOC work as the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative and our New Zealand-based work as the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand.

The LGSOC Initiative was founded on the simple premise that while LGSOC may be rare locally, it represents a significant global issue. By working together, we can create powerful change.

Since 2018, our LGSOC community has raised over $500,000 for LGSOC research, improving our understanding of LGSOC and helping identify potential new treatments.

Together, we’re changing the course of LGSOC.

Where your funding goes

We’ve built partnerships with leading researchers worldwide and the charities that support them to ensure that funds raised by our LGSOC community are directed towards LGSOC-specific research. In most cases, 100% of every dollar raised goes towards improving survival and finding a cure.

Our parent charity, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ), funds the administration and running costs of the LGSOC Initiative.

Our team

Jane Ludemann

Founder

Bio

With a personal diagnosis of LGSOC, Jane is a passionate advocate for LGSOC research. Alongside founding the LGSOC Initiative, in 2020 Jane and her family helped establish the International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (ICLC) , a global research consortium that brings together the world experts in LGSOC, funding collaborative research to accelerate progress. Jane continues to volunteer her time with the LGSOC Initiative, overseeing our research strategy, developing patient materials and coordinating our support groups.

Liz Pennington

CEO and Lived Experience Lead Facilitator

Bio

A highly respected health and well-being professional, Liz has held executive-level positions in mental health and women’s advocacy organisations across New Zealand.

She is passionate about the patient experience, working with women to ensure that the ovarian cancer community has a strong, united voice.

Holly Townsend

Engagement and Support Coordinator

Bio

Holly’s background is in marketing, with experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. As an expert all-rounder, Holly supports the day-to-day activities of the LGSOC Initiative and OCFNZ, including marketing, social media, and our website.

Dr Alicia Didsbury

Trustee
PhD Cancer Immunology

Elected 2021

Bio

Alicia leads the Translational Cell Therapy team at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences in New Zealand.

She is dedicated to supporting research infrastructure and is passionate about advocating for women with ovarian cancer.

Governance

The Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative is overseen by the Board of the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ).

About the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand

The Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative is a global initiative led by the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ), a registered charity in New Zealand.

Coming from a country of just five million people, we recognise the importance of digital innovation and global collaboration.

Our 2024 rebrand from Cure Our Ovarian Cancer to OCFNZ and the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative has allowed us celebrate our unique and complementary identities.

Today, OCFNZ is New Zealand’s national ovarian cancer charity. We’re dedicated to funding transformational research, with a special focus on LGSOC, facilitating support for women, driving advocacy, and raising awareness of ovarian cancer within New Zealand.