The Circle Team and Paulinda Schimmel Babbini (third from left, bottom row) present Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh (second from left, bottom row) with a check for $75,000.

For the past 13 years, The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini has supported the gynecologic cancer research of Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh (RES ’00, FEL ’03, PhD ’08), professor and gynecologic cancer surgeon in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of the UCLA G.O. (gynecologic oncology) Discovery Laboratory. Its most recent fundraiser was held in May at the Woodland Hills Hilton to honor Dr. Memarzadeh.

Inspired by the strength of her daughter, Robin, who lost her battle to ovarian cancer at the age of 20, Paulinda Schimmel Babbini founded The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini. “The death of my daughter, Robin, took me in a direction that was totally unexpected and life changing,” said Babbini.

On founding the nonprofit, she said, “The goals that are extremely important are shining a light on Robin’s memory, educating women about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and fundraising for research to improve treatments and develop an early detection test that does not exist at this time.”

To date, The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired By Robin Babbini has contributed more than $1 million to Dr. Memarzadeh’s research, and it has been a remarkable partner in the effort to find a cure for ovarian cancer.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Paulinda Schimmel Bambini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org or visit our donations page.

This article has been shared courtesy of UCLA’s G.O. Discovery Lab.

Paulinda Babbini (center-left) visits the lab of Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh (center) at UCLA.

Paulinda Babbini has been sporting teal nails, scarves and other accessories for the last 13 years. The color of ovarian cancer awareness month, this everyday homage to her late daughter, Robin, gives Paulinda a chance to keep not only the memory of Robin close, but serves as a daily reminder of her driving mission — to ensure a better future for other women who meet the same diagnosis.

A senior in high school, Robin was only 17 when she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. Neither her family nor her gynecologist at the time imagined that someone so young could be affected. Even after undergoing chemotherapy and a total hysterectomy , Robin’s cancer — as is the case with as many as 80% of individuals with ovarian cancer — recurred, and she lost her battle at 20 years old.

Paulinda and Robin Babbini

This tragedy spurred Paulinda into founding The Ovarian Cancer Circle, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, to support ovarian cancer research and resources for those affected by the disease. This work, Paulinda said, allows her to shine a light on Robin’s legacy and gives her a sense of comfort and purpose. “Spiritually, Robin is with me every day,” Paulinda said.

In this work, she’s found a partner in Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, a gynecologic oncologist and scientist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Through grassroots fundraising efforts, such as an upcoming “Teal There’s A Cure” Luncheon and Boutique, Paulinda has raised over $1 million to support Memarzadeh’s research at the G.O. Discovery Lab at UCLA.

A practicing surgeon and member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, Memarzadeh is part of a vibrant community of scientists dedicated to utilizing stem cells to transform the understanding and treatment of disease. Her lab’s proximity to that of fellow member Dr. Lili Yang inspired the floormates to leverage their combined expertise to develop next-generation immunotherapies to target ovarian cancer.

“Philanthropic support from Paulinda and her team has not only helped to fuel impactful research in my lab, but has also enabled us to secure more funds through federal sources and other organizations — multiplying our research dollars,” Memarzadeh said. Their partnership extends beyond the lab, too. Through their joint advocacy, the Los Angeles City Hall and LAX International Airport pylons have repeatedly been illuminated in teal in recognition of ovarian cancer awareness month in September.

To further increase awareness about ovarian cancer, Paulinda distributes an informational bookmark to nearly everyone she meets. She wants all women to know the symptoms to look out for, such as bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, nausea, pelvic and abdominal pain , among others. She also stresses the tests to request from a gynecological oncologist, which include a pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal sonogram and a CA 125 blood test. “If we had known what to ask for, Robin might still be with us today,” Paulinda said.

Paulinda’s advocacy and Memarzadeh’s patient care and research serve as true complements, bringing attention to the disease as well as leveraging both passion and expertise to work toward a future where women and families affected by ovarian cancer can rely on early detection tests and experience improved standards of care.

The Circle continues to educate, bring awareness and fight for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To support The Circle through donations and future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org or visit our donations page.

This article has been shared courtesy of UCLA’s Broad Stem Cell Research Center.

We all have known someone who had been impacted by a scary diagnosis, but breakthroughs are on the horizon.

This September, in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Los Angeles Ebell hosted an informative program led by Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, exploring the promising future for ourselves and our loved ones.

A professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the G.O. Discovery Laboratory, Dr. Memarzadeh is also the affiliate Gynecologic Oncologist for The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired By Robin Babbini.

During the program, she reviewed relevant inherited genetic mutations for ovarian and endometrial cancers and discussed exposures that can lead to development of other women’s cancers. Attendees also heard how genetic alterations in these tumors can help guide new precision medicine approaches, offering hope and optimism for promising innovation.

The Circle continues to educate, bring awareness and fight for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To support The Circle through donations and future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org.

Twelve years ago The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired By Robin Babbini was founded to honor Robin Babbini’s memory. This year our goal was to reach that $1.0 Million Milestone. With the incredible support and generosity of many supporters and donors, and with the May 26th “Teal There’s A Cure” Comedy Night fundraiser, that goal was achieved!! The recent fundraiser attracted a great crowd of supporters, and contributions from event tickets, sponsorships and the silent auction.

The Circle is leaping ahead to its next milestone as it continues to educate, bring awareness and fight for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To support The Circle through donations and future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org.

The Ovarian Cancer Circle and its “Teal There’s a Cure” fundraiser were featured in the KTLA 5 Weekend Morning News on Saturday, May 21, 2022, which coincided with the birthday of Robin Babbini, in whose honor The Circle was founded. Reporters Lynette Romero and Mark Master emotionally promoted the 11th annual “Teal There’s a Cure” event with two featured segments, highlighting Paulinda Babbini, Founder of The Circle, and celebrity comic and host, Wendy Hammers.

The first interview features Paulinda, who shares The Circle’s inspiration and some ovarian cancer awareness tips, and Wendy Hammers promotes the upcoming “Teal There’s a Cure” fundraiser. In the second interview, Wendy Hammers spotlights details about the upcoming event, including its comedy line-up.

Click to view both interviews on KTLA’s webpage dedicated to The Circle »
(scroll down to view the second video).

With great pride and heartfelt gratitude to all of The Circle’s loyal donors, ongoing supporters and dedicated friends, last month, The Circle presented to UCLA gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh and her G.O. Discovery Lab a check for $82,000 to further ovarian cancer research. Since The Circle’s founding in 2010, The Circle has contributed $950,000 to the G.O Discovery Lab.

The Circle hopes to achieve even more in the coming year as it continues to fight for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Efforts are already underway to surpass $1.0 million this year in funding research for ovarian cancer prevention awareness, early detection measures and effective treatments. If you would like to support The Circle through donations and participation in future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org.

For the 5th consecutive year, this September, Los Angeles lights up in teal to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Once again, The Ovarian Cancer Circle receives the support of the Los Angeles City Council, West Hollywood City Council, and the Los Angeles World Airports to illuminate in teal iconic landmarks, including Los Angeles City Hall, LAX International Airport pylons, West Hollywood City Hall, and – new as of this year – West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard lights.

“We are honored to have the continued commitment and support of our city and local representatives to help fight ovarian cancer and save lives,” says The Circle Founder Paulinda Schimmel Babbini.

Special thanks go to our local leadership for making this possible, including Councilmember Paul Koretz, who has led this effort for five years, with the support of Councilwoman Nury Martinez, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, and this year Councilmember Kevin de León has added his name in support.

The Circle’s mission and these awareness efforts were also promoted through articles in the Larchmont Buzz, City of West Hollywood news, and Ebell Magazine.

If you would like to support The Circle through donations and participation in future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org.

On Wednesday, May 5th, a group of Ebell members set out to walk a “Virtual” 5 kilometers to raise money for The Ovarian Cancer Circle, founded by Paulinda Schimmel Babbini, whose daughter, Robin Babbini, succumbed to the disease at the age of twenty.

Hundreds of supporters participated in the Virtual Walk/Run in small groups from across the country, raising funds for desperately-needed research and prevention for this pernicious disease.

If you would like to support The Circle through donations and participation in future events, please contact Paulinda Schimmel Babbini at paulinda@theovariancancercircle.org.

Los Angeles City Hall, West Hollywood City Hall, and the LAX International Airport pylons went TEAL for several days in September in support of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Thanks to the efforts of The Circle and Councilmember Paul Koretz’s office, the city illuminated the issues surrounding this deadly disease.

Paulinda Schimmel Babbini, Councilmember Paul Koretz and Alison Simard speak with LA This Week about the importance of ovarian cancer awareness.

The City of Los Angeles, Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Nury Martinez & Monica Rodriguez proclaimed September 19, 2017 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day honoring The Circle’s president, Paulinda Babbini and affiliate gynecologic oncologist, UCLA’s Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh.

View the full news article here »»
Also, to view the flyer, click on the image to the right.