What We Have Accomplished in Our First Year

During our first year after Bridget’s death and the creation of this organization, we performed a number of activities targeted to meet our organizational mission – “To do good works to honor Bridget Nesko’s memory and legacy”.  

To help better understand the US medical practitioner environment regarding to ovarian cancer, we held a series of Zoom focus group events between January and May 2023. They included 22 primary care MD and DO physicians from throughout the US. Our intent was to gage their awareness and response to facing a gradually increasing presence of the signs and symptoms common to ovarian cancer. 16 of those participants were men, six were women, and all had ongoing private practices, treating patients every single day.

While not a formal survey in any sense, based on the limited sampling, what we discovered was that:

• More than 80% were unable to recognize ovarian cancer as a possible cause of the symptoms, regardless of the number, history or severity of such symptoms;
• More than 65% would refer their patient to “specialists” other than gynecologic oncologists;
• Two out of three admitted that their area of focus was not “cancer” and they would not recognize ovarian cancer as a possible cause of the symptoms;
• If asked to do so, less than half would recommend undergoing a biopsy, a trans-vaginal ultrasound, or even order a simple CA-125 blood test - the least invasive test possible - as a means of measuring the possible presence of a cancer;
• All “believed” that they had lost patients to ovarian cancer since beginning their private practices.

It is our intent to conduct ongoing inclusive and intensive Focus Group events throughout 2025 and 2026, to refine our understanding of the precise “educational re-fresh” needs of the patient-facing primary medical care community.

Since 2023, the Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Education Center actively participated in more than two dozen live public events, engaging with communities to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. At these events, the Foundation distributed informational materials, educational literature, and wristbands to help spread knowledge about early detection, symptoms, and available resources for those affected by the disease.

In addition to providing vital information, the Center shared Bridget’s personal journey, offering inspiration and support to women and families facing similar challenges. By attending health fairs, community gatherings, and awareness walks, the Foundation strengthened its mission of advocacy, education, and support, ensuring that more people were empowered with the knowledge to recognize the signs of ovarian cancer and take proactive steps toward early detection and treatment. 

In addition to direct primary healthcare team education, these outreach efforts continue to be a cornerstone of the Center’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in the fight against ovarian cancer.

The Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Education Center launched a pilot program to produce and promote a live, weekly radio broadcast aimed at raising awareness, sharing critical information, and fostering community engagement around ovarian cancer. The program aired locally in the Delaware Valley on Cruisin' 92.1 WVLT FM in Vineland, New Jersey, and was also accessible nationwide through various digital platforms, expanding its reach to a broader audience.

Supported by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the broadcast served as a test initiative for the development of a long-term communications platform. The goal was to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a permanent, nationally broadcasted monthly program dedicated to uniting the ovarian cancer community across the United States. Based on the insights gained from this pilot, the Foundation plans to officially launch the national live broadcast in 2026, utilizing multiple digital platforms to maximize accessibility and engagement.

The Center has received a number of inquiries about the “scholarship” award program from throughout the US. The “scholarship program” was targeted to help dependents of families impacted by ovarian cancer. While we did issue several awards in 2023 and 2024, many of the inquiries we received did not qualify for consideration for various reasons. 

The Center established two test “memorial programs” with private funds provided by the founder and the Estate of Bridget Nesko, including annual awards for students and excellent nursing professionals demonstrating their extreme care for their patients and their families. A program was established at Bridget’s alumna school – George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Another program was established to recognize outstanding clinical professionals at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. Both programs were privately funded by the Center's founder. The program at George Mason University will be privately funded to occur perpetually, while the program at Samaritan Hospice will be funded for a 100 year period.

Finally, we were proud to attend the placement of a plaque memorializing Bridget Nesko at the Brooklyn, New York headquarters of "Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation" – an organization we fully support, applaud for their excellent work in serving the ovarian cancer community and look forward to continuing to work with and support to accomplish our mutual goals.