Toronto – 9 December 2025 – The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (the Coalition) is proud to announce the recipients of its 5th Annual Impact Awards. This year, the Coalition recognises six individuals and one consortium whose leadership, advocacy and innovation are transforming outcomes for women with ovarian cancer across the world.
Watch the awards ceremony here.
At a time when ovarian cancer remains the most lethal of female cancers — and when global action has never been more urgently needed, the Impact Awards celebrate contributions that advance awareness, accelerate research, improve care and support women throughout their ovarian cancer journeys. This year’s honourees were chosen by an international panel: ovarian cancer survivor and patient advocate Jennifer Hollington (Canada), World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Board Member, researcher and patient advocate Runcie C.W. Chidebe (Nigeria) and ovarian cancer survivor and patient advocate Nimkee Gupta (Luxembourg).
“Each of this year’s honourees represents the power of what is possible when compassion, evidence, and action come together,” said Christel Paganoni, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. “Their leadership is changing what it means to live with ovarian cancer — from advancing earlier diagnosis, to driving scientific breakthroughs, to ensuring women everywhere are seen, supported, and never left behind. Their work strengthens our collective mission: to reduce ovarian cancer mortality and improve quality of life for every woman, no matter where she lives.”
This year’s awards underscore the diverse leadership driving change across the ovarian cancer landscape — from pioneering palliative care models in Rwanda, to advancing genetic testing and early diagnosis initiatives in Europe and Australia, to improving patient support in the United States and India, and accelerating rare-cancer research through global collaboration. The 2025 Impact Awards recipients are:
Dr. Shabnam Gujadhur (Australia)
An ovarian cancer survivor and physician at Gold Coast University Hospital, Dr. Gujadhur has become a powerful advocate for early detection, research, and improved patient support, drawing on her experience as both a doctor and patient. Through sharing her story publicly and taking part in community engagement initiatives, she works tirelessly to advance care and awareness across Australia.
Sandra Balboni (Italy)
Sandra Balboni is the Founder of LOTO ODV, a network of gynecological cancer centres across Italy offering free support services for women. An ovarian cancer survivor herself, Sandra’s vision has created a compassionate, comprehensive model of care that empowers women throughout treatment and recovery.
Dr. Christian Ntizimira (Rwanda)
A global leader in palliative care, Dr. Ntizimira has transformed access to compassionate, gender-sensitive support for women with advanced ovarian cancer across Rwanda and Africa. Through the non-profit African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care (ACREOL) and his book The Safari Concept: An African Framework on End-of-Life Care, he has trained thousands of providers and helped shape national policies that expand pain relief, early detection, and quality end-of-life care.
Melissa Aucoin (United States)
As CEO of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Melissa Aucoin has expanded critical programs that deliver financial assistance, nutritional support, and educational resources to women with ovarian cancer. Her leadership has enabled thousands to access treatment and vital services that improve quality of life and empower informed decision-making.
Diane Boothby (United Kingdom)
Since her diagnosis in 2022, Diane Boothby has become a prominent patient advocate, sharing her story to raise awareness, influence health policy, and promote earlier detection. She recently founded a local support group in Norfolk, offering connection, guidance, and hope to women navigating ovarian cancer.
International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (Global)
This international network of more than 30 scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates is accelerating research and innovation for a rare and difficult-to-treat form of ovarian cancer. Their collaborative work is advancing targeted therapies, connecting global expertise, and bringing new hope to younger women affected by the disease.
Sbba Siddique (United Kingdom)
A broadcaster, advocate, and community leader, Sbba Siddique uses her influential platforms to confront stigma, elevate patient voices, and promote early diagnosis, particularly among South Asian and marginalized communities. Her contributions across UK media and cancer policy initiatives continue to transform awareness and strengthen support for women with ovarian cancer. Sbba was a guest on the first episode of our podcast series Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story. Watch and listen to her story and insights here.
About the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the only global not-for-profit organization focused solely on ovarian cancer, was established in 2016 and comprises over 230 patient advocacy group members in 57 countries. We work globally to ensure that everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life, no matter where they live. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Listen and subscribe to our podcast, Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story here.
Media contacts:
Annabel Deegan, media@worldovariancancercoalition.org
Helen Shik, Helen@worldovariancancercoalition.org