Did you know that until a U.S court ruling in March of 2010, genes were considered patentable when isolated from the body? A few months ago I watched a very interesting segment on 60 Minutes relating to the U.S court ruling against the patenting of human genes. In specifics the ruling related to the genes BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 which are genes linked to ovarian and breast cancer. Prior to this ruling Myriad Genetics exclusively held the patent on these two genes and therefore held complete access of...

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Hello Everyone, I haven't written in a while, but in my absence I've figured out what direction I want to take my blog in. I've decided to share things that Laura shared with me. Laura loved to introduce me (& other friends and family) to new books, movies & music that she loved. It's always fun when your friends share things as intimate as music and books. You get to know each other on a different level.  One year for my birthday Laura sent me a really special & immensely awesome...

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I've been sitting here trying to figure out what I want to write about, and I couldn't decide on anything I really felt I could bring to the table.  Then I thought, maybe I should give you all a chance to tell your favorite story of Laura or how Ovarian Cancer is affecting your life. If you're interested in sharing your favorite story of Laura or if you just have a little something to say,  send it in an email to l.boan@thinkoflaura.org.  I'll post it for you!

  I cannot believe that it has been six months since we lost Laura.  Doris, I started my morning with your blog because I so needed the song.  Thank you.  Later I heard another song from the red birds in my back yard - the beautiful birds continue to remind me of the beauty of Laura.  I know it took great courage for Laura to move on to a heaven where she no longer suffers.  I am honored that I was able to share in that moment.  Oh so hearbreaking it was but...

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One thing I will always remember about Laura was how tough she was.  Within the group of friends we shared she was one of the few who balanced a job with the demands of her schoolwork.  I always respected her for this but I never truly appreciated it until I began working with her at Ariccia.  Before working in Ariccia I knew absolutely nothing about the restaurant life.  But from day one I was floored by how much stamina and dedication it took.  When I think about how...

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Now that the spring rush of events has passed us in a blur of activity, I can say thank you to the many volunteers who helped make the garage sale, golf tournament in Newnan, GA, and Pirates and Ninjas vs. Ovarian Cancer events all successes.  Yes, they were time consuming and lots of hard work.  Sometimes, we were figuring out how to do something as it happened.  But everyone had passion and that is what is special.  Your passion makes the difference and made...

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Many of you really knew Laura. Perhaps you are family or a close childhood friend. Maybe you attended school with Laura or hung out with her through a mutual friend. But I wonder how many of you realize how the domain for this website was established?  In the early days of forming the foundation, we had a few "called meetings." This particular meeting was at a Mexican restaurant in the southern part of the Birmingham metro area. I remember that night well. One specific point of...

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Can we make a difference?  Sometimes I find myself asking this question. Is what we are doing really worth the time an energy each day? Research takes millions each year and will this foundation really matter? Then last week I received an e-mail from a mother in Mississippi whose 24 year old daughter was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. (Same age as Laura when she was diagnosed) This mom was writing to thank us for our web site and all our efforts. I then realize we are all about...

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