Newk’s Eatery is launching a Newk’s Cares campaign to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, a disease that hits close to home in the Newk’s family. Lori Newcomb, the wife of Newk’s co-founder and CEO Chris Newcomb, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in early 2013. From mid-August through September, Newk’s is teaming up with Lori and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to educate women and their loved ones about early warning signs of the disease, as well as promote research for a cure.
Through September, Newk’s signature black cup will be replaced by a teal cup in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at the company’s more than 70 restaurants. During the campaign, Newk’s will provide educational information at each of the locations and the story of Lori’s personal journey will also be available to guests in restaurants, as well as on the Newk’s Cares website. Newk’s will donate a minimum of $15,000 to OCRF as part of its ovarian cancer charitable initiative. And on September 25, in partnership with Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Lori and Newk’s Cares will also raise funds for OCRF through a 5-hour Ovarian Cycle® indoor cycle event in Jackson, Mississippi, where Newk’s is headquartered. The fundraising goal for this event is $50,000.
“Only 45 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive longer than five years,” said Lori Newcomb. “With early detection and treatment, the rate increases to greater than 92 percent. Through education and by raising money for severely underfunded research, we hope to make a difference in the future progression of this disease.”
In the months leading up to her diagnosis, Lori, a busy mother of three, put the needs of her family first and dismissed changes in her health that were early warning signs of the disease. Her symptoms mimicked those of other innocuous conditions affecting women – bloating, abdominal pain, difficulty urinating. Like most of the 200,000 women nationwide currently living with the disease, Lori’s cancer was advanced at the point of diagnosis and her prognosis was bleak.
In the U.S., ovarian cancer causes more deaths than all other gynecologic cancers combined and is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women. Symptoms are often vague and ovarian cancer frequently recurs after initial treatment. This year alone, 22,000 cases will be diagnosed and 15,500 women will die from the disease. While there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer, tests can help identify women who are at risk for the disease.
“Through the courage Lori has shown during her battle with ovarian cancer I know that many women’s lives will be impacted by her story,” said Chris Newcomb. “It is our hope that through her we can improve early diagnosis, positively impact the prognosis for women, and keep families together.”
By sharing her story, Lori and the Newk’s Eatery family hope it will be a source of strength, inspiration and hope in the fight against ovarian cancer.
To hear Lori’s story in her own words or for more information about ovarian cancer, visit Newk’s Cares or Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
As a refreshing casual dining experience in a stylish atmosphere with an emphasis on freshness, flavor and unparalleled customer service, Newk’s Eatery boasts a comprehensive menu of freshly-prepared entrees with sizable portions and exceptional ingredient combinations. Rapidly expanding since the first restaurant opening in Oxford, Miss. in 2004, Newk’s currently operates and franchises 69 units in 13 states. Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., the rights to more than 100 units of the culinary-driven dining concept have been sold across the South. For more information visit newks.com, join the Roundtable Club, or follow Newk’s on Facebook and Twitter.
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is the oldest and largest charity in the United States funding ovarian cancer research. Our mission is to fund scientific research that leads to more effective identification, treatment, and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer, as well as related educational and support initiatives. Each year there will be approximately 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States, and about 15,500 women will die of the disease. Currently there is no effective means of early detection.
Since 1998, OCRF has awarded 217 grants to scientists at more than 65 leading medical centers in the U.S., an investment of nearly $60 million for ovarian cancer research. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, OCRF-sponsored investigators are developing innovative strategies for early detection; exploring the genetics that increase risk for ovarian cancer; understanding the underlying molecular biology of the disease; identifying new and better targets for treatment; and deciphering how and why ovarian cancer spreads, and how to stop it. To learn more or join us in the fight, please visit www.ocrf.org.
