The Circle Supports Inspiring Presentation on Hope for Future Treatments
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.
The Circle Reaches its $1.0 Million Dollar Milestone!
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.
KTLA-TV Headlines The Circle’s May 26 “Teal There’s a Cure” Comedy Night with Live TV Interviews!
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).
KTLA Interviews Paulinda Babbini and Spotlights The Circle
KTLA Interviews Comedian Wendy Hammers, highlighting the 11th Annual “Teal There’s a Cure” fundraiser
The Circle Donates $82,000 to G.O. Discovery Lab
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.
The Circle presents a check to Dr. Memarzadah and the G.O. Discovery Lab
19Stories Podcast Interviews Paulinda
This Fall, the popular podcast 19Stories: From Fear to Hope features The Ovarian Cancer Circle in an inspiring interview with The Circle Founder Paulinda Schimmel Babbini and the show’s host, Cheryl Holling.
Holling’s podcast spotlights stories of individuals doing the extraordinary in the everyday; their will to live, press-on & press-through to move from fear to hope. Paulinda shares her journey from struggling with the loss of her daughter Robin to founding The Circle to honor Robin’s memory and fight for individuals and families across the country and worldwide confronting ovarian cancer.
19Stories is available to listeners worldwide and helps bring The Circle’s mission to a broader audience. In it, Paulinda shares how The Circle has become her life’s passion and commitment to heighten awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, particularly to young women.
The full interview (Episode #34) posted on October 30, 2021 and can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Audible, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Listen Notes.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month:
Los Angeles Lights Up in Teal!
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.
Los Angeles City Hall Lights Up in Teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
LAX International Airport Sign and Pylons Illuminated in Teal
West Hollywood City Hall Lights Up in Teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
For Ovarian Cancer Awareness, West Hollywood Lanterns Lights Up in Teal Along Santa Monica Boulevard
Team Ebell Walks 5k for Ovarian Cancer Circle
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.
The team at the Ebell Door. From left: President Patty Lombard, Jessica Varone (guest), Myrna Gintel with Giacomo, Lizzie Blatt, Paulinda Schimmel, Laurie Schechter, Janna Bodek Harris and Beate McDermott-Kessler with Daisy
Los Angeles Lights Up in TEAL for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
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 Circle and Ovarian Cancer Featured in San Fernando Valley Business Journal
In September, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal published a special feature about ovarian cancer that profiled the story of Paulinda Schimmel Babbini’s and the Ovarian Cancer Circle’s tremendous efforts to raise awareness about ovarian cancer.
The descriptive, full-color feature highlights facts and information about ovarian cancer, and details how September became recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with the help of L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz’s office.
Read the full-color feature here »»
Premier America Credit Union Supports The Circle
Photo Caption: Premier America Branch Manager, Candace Cortez presents a check to Paulinda with Sheryl Tratner
Premier America Credit Union contributes to The Ovarian Cancer Circle cause at the special event on May 11, 2018.
Paulinda Babbini and The Circle Featured on CBS KCAL 9 News
Paulinda Schimmel Babbini, founder of The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini, talks to KCAL9 Reporter Amy Johnson about The Circle’s upcoming fundraiser and its efforts to fight the devastating disease.
Temple Israel of Hollywood Observer 2018, My Promise To My Daughter
No one saw this coming.
No doctors saw past her youth.
And surely I could not have imagined what lay ahead.
But then the earth tilted and my life as a mother changed forever. One dark, seismic event forever transformed my comfortable, familiar life into that of an unstoppable activist.
L.A. City Council Proclaims September 19, 2017 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day
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.
Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Monica Rodriguez and Paul Koretz presenting the Proclamation to President Paulinda Babbini
The Circle Team and Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh with Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, Paul Koretz, and Nury Martinez
President Paulinda Babbini, Councilmember Paul Koretz,
and Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh
KNX 1070 RADIO salutes Paulinda Babbini as a KNX HERO – 2016
KNX Frank Mottek, Paulinda Babbini & KNX Diane Thompson
Dalia Hayon, The Circle’s Treasurer & Paulinda Babbini
Press Release – Dr. Memarzadeh, M.D. Ph.D
High-grade serous ovarian cancer often responds well to the chemotherapy drug carboplatin, but why it so frequently comes back after treatment has been a medical mystery.
Now a team of UCLA researchers has discovered that a subset of tumor cells that don’t produce the protein CA125, a biomarker used to test for ovarian cancer, has an enhanced ability to repair their DNA and resist programmed cell death — which allows the cells to evade the drug and live long enough to regrow the original tumor.
U Magazine Article | Summer 2015
The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini is a non-profit 501c3 organization guided by a board of directors, gynecologic oncologist and medical advisors.
The members are committed to creating an ever-expanding ring that encompasses networking, education and support for women of all ages and their families and friends who are affected by ovarian cancer.
Dr. Memarzadeh’s Letter In Appreciation
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Article – May 2015
Mother whose young daughter died from ovarian cancer raises money for UCLA cancer research SEPTEMBER 2014
Inspired by her memories of her daughter, Paulinda Babbini created a nonprofit to fight gynecological cancers.
THE JEWISH JOURNAL- THE MENSCH LIST JANUARY 2013
Often, when someone is coping with an extraordinary loss, the feelings can be all-encompassing. When Paulinda Schimmel Babbini’s daughter, Robin, died of ovarian cancer at the age of 20, instead of letting the tragic death immobilize her, Babbini made it her mission that no one else should go through what she had.
Click to read the full article…….
U MAGAZINE (UCLA) DECEMBER 2012
The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini is a non-profit 501c3 organization guided by a board of directors, gynecologic oncologist and medical advisors. The members are committed to creating an ever-expanding ring that encompasses networking, education and support for women of all ages and their families and friends who are affected by ovarian cancer. Click here to read more……….
THE BRIDGE- CEDARS-SINAI NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 
2012
Doreen Braverman was pale and gaunt. She could barely walk, much less run. And she was facing rounds three and four of chemotherapy.
How she got out of bed to participate in her first run for her® 5k Run and Friendship Walk, a charity fundraiser hosted by Cedars-Sinai to generate funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness, is a mystery – yet it’s not……Click here to read more…….
OVARIAN CANCER NATIONAL ALLIANCE ARTICLE MAY 2012
Like many Partner Members of the Alliance, the Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini was founded in memory of a particular woman with ovarian cancer. What sets Robin apart is her age at diagnosis: 17. “Our family didn’t know the symptoms,” recalls her mother, Paulinda Babbini. “A full year passed from Robin’s earliest symptoms to her diagnosis.” Click to read more………
ELEGANT LIVING MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011
Robin Babbini was an active, high spirited teenager and honor student, engaged in numerous high school activities. Her dynamic life was turned upside down when at the age of 17 she began to have a series of disturbing, conflicting symptoms that defied diagnosis. She was so young that doctors never contemplated anything as serious as ovarian cancer. But as the gravity of the symptoms persisted, tests concluded that Robin had Stage 3 ovarian cancer. CLICK HERE to read the full article
PATCH.COM
Comedian/actor Sinbad will be the headliner at a special comedy show, “Happily Ever Laughter,” benefiting ovarian cancer research. Hosted by comic Jeanette Rizzi, the show is Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip. Ticket price of $75 includes a buffet dinner as well as the comedy show. Other comics scheduled to appear are Troy Rawlings, Bobbie Oliver, Vargus Mason, and Darren Carter. CLICK HERE to read the full article.
BEVERLY PRESS – Match 2011
A Mother’s Love Knows No Boundaries
Robin Babbini was an honor roll student, an overachiever and prom queen. When she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer at the age of 17, she and her family were devastated. She valiantly fought the disease with aspirations of becoming a fashion editor for four years but passed away on June 29, 2006. CLICK HERE to read the full article.
Patch.com 2011 – Mother Honors Daughter with Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser
In 2004, when Robin Babbini was a 17-year-old senior at West Hollywood’s Pacific Hills High School, she was the kind of teenager many parents hope for.A counselor with West Hollywood’s recreation program as a sophomore and junior, she’d blossomed in her senior year as an honor student, co-captain of the cheerleading team, homecoming queen, and active student with the school’s dramatic arts program. Her parents, Paulinda and Ron, couldn’t have been prouder. CLICK HERE to read the full article.