Ovarian Cancer Quilt Project

Quilt Project Logo The Ovarian Cancer Awareness Quilt Project at MD Anderson was established to educate the public about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer through the artistry of quilting. Catherine Ellison designed the beautiful teal ribbon quilt block, the hallmark of the project that raises awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of this disease.

Since 2002, quilters from MD Anderson's Ovarian Cancer Support Group and the community have donated blocks to make quilts which are displayed each year at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. All who have been touched by ovarian cancer, including survivors, family members and friends, have been invited to contribute a block. Quilters from across the state and seven local quilt shops have created and donated hundreds of quilt blocks and entire quilts.

With the growth of the quilt project, an online quilt auction was launched in 2008. Due to the success of the first online quilt auction, which featured 68 quilts and raised $11,440, a second online quilt auction was hosted in October of 2009 which featured 107 quilts and raised $25,120.

The auction and quilt project benefit the Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program, which aims to develop effective screening methods and, ultimately, a cure for ovarian cancer through innovative research.

In November 2011, the quilt project’s online auction will expand its support of gynecologic cancer awareness and benefit both the ovarian and uterine cancer research programs at MD Anderson. In addition, the online auction will seek to raise awareness for the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic predisposition which increases the risk for developing both ovarian and breast cancer.