Council recognizes Ovarian Cancer Circle and survivors in annual proclamation

The City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the Ovarian Cancer Circle and its advocacy to raise awareness, fund research and distribute educational materials.

Paulinda Babini, founder and president of the Ovarian Cancer Circle, addressed the council and described her daughter Robin's experience with late diagnosis and how that inspired the nonprofit's work. "By the time Robin was finally diagnosed, she had stage 3 ovarian cancer," Babini said, explaining the Circle's mission to educate families and clinicians about warning signs. Karen Gillman, a six‑year survivor, shared how symptom awareness — abdominal pain and bloating — led to earlier diagnosis in her case: "That awareness helped save my life."

Council members praised the Circle's fundraising and advocacy; the presentation noted the group's multi‑year support for translational research at UCLA and that the organization has raised more than $1.5 million since its founding.