Houston City Council recognized September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month during its recent meeting, highlighting the importance of awareness and education surrounding this often-overlooked disease. Council member Kamen led the initiative, honoring the organization Overcome, founded by Runcie Sisen in memory of her mother, who succumbed to advanced ovarian cancer.
With over 20,000 women diagnosed annually in the U.S. and a survival rate of less than 50%, the need for awareness is critical. Currently, there is no formal screening for ovarian cancer, making early detection challenging. Overcome aims to change this narrative by providing education, resources, and support to those affected by the disease. Their outreach efforts reach over 2.5 million people worldwide each year.
During the meeting, the council proclaimed September 23, 2025, as "Overcome Teal Talk Day" in Houston. This event will encourage conversations about ovarian cancer and promote awareness through community engagement. The initiative aims to empower individuals with knowledge about the disease, emphasizing the importance of recognizing its symptoms.
The council expressed gratitude for Overcome's commitment to raising awareness and supporting underserved ovarian cancer patients through their Over Care program, which offers grants and lifestyle packages to those in need. The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to participate in the upcoming Teal Talk Day and to visit Overcome's website for more information on how to get involved.