Robin’s Story
Robin has brought ovarian cancer to the forefront of young women’s awareness, helping them understand that this insidious disease knows no age boundaries.
Robin Babbini was your active teenager and honor student, engaged in numerous high school activities – co-captain of the cheerleading squad, homecoming queen and dramatic arts. Her dynamic life was turned upside down when at the age of 17 she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. She had a total hysterectomy followed by chemo treatments. Amazingly, with unrivaled optimism and positivity, she completed her classes, graduated high school and began her freshman year at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB)….
To our horror, the cancer re-occurred six short months later, followed by another surgery, only to find out the cancer had metastasized and she was now considered chronic. Robin began endless, continuous and different types of cancer treatments.
Robin’s determination and everlasting hope gave her the strength to pledge the national sorority, KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA, and she persevered to continue academic studies She participated as co-captain at the American Cancer’s Relay for Life at UCSB and, despite her weakening and debilitated condition, gave a gut wrenching, inspirational speech convinced that one day there would be a cure and the suffering would be eradicated. Six weeks later Robin lost her valiant battle at the young age of 20.
Robin has left a remarkable legacy. In perpetuity, Pacific Hills High School in West Hollywood has created the “Robin Babbini Outstanding Senior Award.” The Ovarian Cancer Circle presents annually the “Robin Babbini Community Achievement Award” to honor a member of her beloved sorority. The UCSB French Language Department designates the annual Robin Memorial Award for an outstanding French 3-level student.
Most importantly, Robin has brought Ovarian Cancer to the forefront of young women’s awareness, who now realize that this insidious disease has no age boundaries.
Commitment to Community
In honor of Robin's life and legacy, each year, The Circle supports community achievement and helps raise awareness for ovarian cancer.
Robin Babbini Community Annual Achievement Award
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Kappa Kapture The Flag Fundraiser
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Robin Babbini Community Annual Achievement Award
The Circle established the “Robin Babbini Community Achievement Award” in 2009. Each year, members of The Circle visit Kappa Kappa Gamma to present this award to an outstanding Kappa sister who has dedicated time and efforts in the community.
Click to view past recipients' slide show.
Kappa Kapture The Flag
UCSB Kappa Kappa Gamma presents its annual fundraiser Kappa Dash, now called Kapture the Flag, to support ovarian cancer awareness, prevention and treatment. Each year a portion of the event’s proceeds is donated to The Circle in honor of their beloved sorority sister, Robin Babbini. The Circle is ever grateful for their heartfelt dedication and commitment to such a vital cause. Thank You Kappa Kappa Gamma!!
Click to view past fundraisers' image gallery.
