The Cooper Foundation Receives $50,000 Donation for Pioneering Ovarian Cancer Research from Barbara T. Foundation, Bringing Total Contribution to $100,000

At the presentation event (L-R): Eric Engelhardt, co-founder of the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and Barbara’s youngest child; Bradley Ferraro, co-founder of the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and eldest step-son of Barbara; Christopher Ferraro, co-founder of the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and step-son of Barbara; David P. Warshal, MD, FACOG, Head of Division of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper; Jay D. Ferraro, husband of Barbara and along with their children, co-founder of the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation; and Nicole Engelhardt, co-founder of the foundation and eldest daughter of Barbara.

The Cooper Foundation recently received a $50,000 donation from Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, which will support ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. This generous contribution marks the second round of funding within a single year, bringing the total support from the Barbara T. Foundation to $100,000.

The funds will help develop the next generation of innovative ovarian cancer treatments by supporting MD Anderson at Cooper’s critical research into the NRF2 and KEAP1 genes, which play a pivotal role in cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“Our focus on the NRF2 and KEAP1 genes is crucial in understanding how cancer cells evade treatment,” said David P. Warshal, MD, FACOG, of whom Barbara was a long-time patient. “The NRF2 and KEAP1 genes produce substances that shield cancer cells and make them resistant to treatment. By targeting these genes and identifying methods to permeate the cell barrier, we hope to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy to kill the cancer cells.”

“The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s continued support of the research program at MD Anderson at Cooper underscores our dedication to eliminating ovarian cancer and is fueled by a personal understanding of the tragedy and severity of this disease,” said Jay D. Ferraro, husband of the late Barbara, after whom the foundation was named. Barbara passed away in February last year at the age of 61, after courageously facing ovarian cancer for six years.

“We are especially honored when individuals and families touched by cancer generously support our efforts at Cooper, particularly when our team played a part in their treatment journey,” said Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at The Cooper Foundation. “Generosity from donors and the community allows The Cooper Foundation to fund groundbreaking research that leads to cures and provide new therapies years before they become standard in the community.”

The Gynecologic Cancer Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is the largest and most experienced gynecologic cancer treatment program in South Jersey. For more than three decades, the team of specialists has provided compassionate care to women with cancer and precancerous diseases of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, and vagina.

About The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation

With faith, love and passion, the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation gives 100% of its time and resources to the prevention, detection and cure of ovarian cancer. The Barbara T. Foundation was the idea of Barbara T. Ferraro, whose six-year battle with ovarian cancer came to an end on February 20, 2023. From the moment Barbara was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she was determined to help as much as she was being helped. Learn more and donate to the cause at beatovarian.org

About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is South Jersey’s leading cancer center. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center – a world-renowned cancer center – our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials. MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org

 About The Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation supports the patients, services, research and educational programs of Cooper University Health Care, one of the largest health systems in southern New Jersey. By partnering with the community, we help Cooper thrive and do more for the people of South Jersey — from the River to the Shore and beyond. Generosity allows Cooper to deliver research that leads to cures, growth and development that transforms communities and care that goes beyond the ordinary for patients and their families.

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