Remember Ovarian Cancer Australia with a Bequest

Remember Ovarian Cancer Australia with a Bequest

Why leave a bequest in your will to Ovarian Cancer Australia?

Your legacy holds the power to transform lives and defeat ovarian cancer, improving the outlook for women today and for generations to come.

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is at the forefront of the battle against Australia’s deadliest female cancer – a relentless disease that claims the lives of far too many women. With a 5-year survival rate of just 49%, compared to 92% for breast cancer, ovarian cancer is a cause that critically needs attention, action, and money.

You can help shape the long-term trajectory of ovarian cancer. When you leave a bequest to OCA, you join us in realising our unwavering vision: to save lives and ensure no one with ovarian cancer walks alone. Your legacy will help us down the path toward improved survival rates, enhanced supported systems, and a future free from the grip of this insidious disease.

Philanthropy in action at OCA

Bequest funding plays an important role in the effective operation of OCA. Untied income gifted to OCA by generous supporters who include OCA in their wills ensures the uninterrupted funding of our support and advocacy work. 

Supporting women for generations to come 

Research advocacy is a cornerstone of OCA’s work. To properly move the needle on ovarian cancer, significant research is needed into its prevention, screening, early detection, and optimal treatments. Time is of the essence and OCA does not have sufficient resources to directly fundraise the sum of research funding required. We therefore direct our finite resources to campaigning for major research funding from government.

Supporting women today

Whilst Ovarian Cancer Australia has its eyes on the long-term, we are also here to support people impacted by ovarian cancer today. OCA is the only organisation in Australia that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer (women, their partners, family members, and friends), no matter where they live. We help people navigate the healthcare system, answering questions about treatment and providing psychological support to assist with the mental toll of the disease.  With support from OCA, women with ovarian cancer experience improved mental health, suffering less anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence and death anxiety, and improved sexual wellbeing. 

OCA strives to ensure that high-quality care and treatment options are affordable and accessible for ALL people with an ovarian cancer diagnosis and not just women with the financial means and who live in major cities. Our tireless campaigning has resulted in several medicines that improve survival and quality of life being added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

How to include a bequest to OCA in your will

After you have looked after your family and loved ones, a bequest is a simple and effective way to support a cause you believe in. Our Philanthropy Manager is on hand to provide you with all the information you need to assist with this very personal decision.

Anyone can leave a bequest to OCA, either by writing a new will, or by amending an existing one. To leave a gift to OCA in your will, please follow these three steps:

1. Contact our Philanthropy Manager. They will provide you with all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have.

2. Consult your legal advisor to ensure that your legacy is secure and that your final wishes are met. If you are concerned about the cost of seeking legal advice, please let us know. You may qualify for pro bono estate planning advice and services, and our Philanthropy Manager will happily discuss this option with you.

3. Contact our Philanthropy Manager to advise that you have decided to leave a bequest to OCA. We would welcome the opportunity to thank you and keep you informed about our support and advocacy work. We can also connect you with other people who have chosen to remember OCA in this significant way. Finally, letting us know about your gift helps us to map out a strong financial future for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

We also recommend that you speak with your family and loved ones about your intentions to leave a bequest to OCA. In this way, everyone can rest assured that your affairs are in order and that your wishes will be followed.

Suggested legal wording

If you have decided to leave a bequest to Ovarian Cancer Australia – thank you! We recommend using the following wording when adding Ovarian Cancer Australia as a philanthropic beneficiary in your will:

1. Fixed cash gift: I gift the sum of $X to Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited (ABN 76 097 394 593) of Level 1, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne in the State of Victoria to be used for its general purposes, free of all duties, and I direct that a receipt issued by the Chief Executive Officer or other authorised officer of Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited (ABN 76 097 394 593) shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Executors who shall not be required to see to the application of this gift.

2. Residue: I gift X% of the residue of my Estate to Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited (ABN 76 097 394 593) of Level 1, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne in the State of Victoria to be used for its general purposes, free of all duties, and I declare that a receipt issued by the Chief Executive Officer or other authorised officer of Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited (ABN 76 097 394 593) shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Executors who shall not be required to see to the application of this gift.

Please get in touch

For a confidential conversation about leaving a bequest to benefit women with ovarian cancer and leave a legacy beyond your lifetime, please contact Olivia Passmore, Philanthropy Manager, on 03 9289 9700, or at olivia.passmore@ovariancancer.net.au.