Sandy Rollman: A Philadelphia Story That Became a Movement
Philly is quick to remind the rest of the world of what we do best: we rally, we build, and we show up for each other when it matters. The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation was created to fight for those who are fighting, speak for those who have fallen silent, and provide for those who are working toward the end of ovarian cancer.
And while those words read like a mission statement, the origin story feels unmistakably local and human—built 25 years ago on a living room floor, with a box of Entenmann’s cookies, by co-founders Adriana Way, Sandy’s sister, and Robin Cohen, Sandy’s oncology nurse. Their drive was simple and powerful: to honor Sandy’s legacy, keep her memory alive, and ensure that other women wouldn’t have to endure the same pain.
A quarter-century later, the numbers behind Sandy Rollman tell you what sustained determination looks like in real life. The foundation has raised over $6.4 million to fund ovarian cancer research, and it has educated millions about ovarian cancer. Robin Cohen leads the organization as CEO, and she also serves on the board of both the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition—a signal of just how far a Philadelphia-born foundation has reached. The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation blends hometown intimacy and global-level impact: it’s personal, but it’s also undeniably consequential.
Sandy Rollman: Why World Cancer Day Hits Different This Year
World Cancer Day lands on February 4, and the timing matters—because ovarian cancer is still the fifth leading cause of death among women in the United States and remains the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers. The stakes aren’t abstract, either. It’s estimated that in 2026, nearly 20,890 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 12,730 will die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is not uncommon; it occurs in 1 of every 91 women. Those aren’t numbers you breeze past. They’re the kind of statistics that make you pause, reread, and then start thinking about the people you know.
That’s where Sandy Rollman comes in—not as a distant institution, but as an organization rooted in the idea that awareness plus action can change outcomes. Their mission is unwavering: fight for those who are fighting, speak for those who have fallen silent, and provide for those working toward the end of ovarian cancer. In a city that lives for community-driven causes, the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation is one of those essential connective threads—bridging research funding, education, and tangible opportunities for everyday Philadelphians to participate in the work.
Sandy Rollman: Sandy Sprint Philadelphia 5K at the Navy Yard
If you want a clear, energetic entry point into this mission, circle Saturday, April 25, 2026, on your calendar. The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation is hosting its 22nd annual Sandy Sprint Philadelphia 5K Run/Walk at the Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds, located at 4747 South Broad Street. The opening ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.
This year’s Sandy Sprint takes on added significance, as 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the foundation’s establishment. And that milestone doesn’t soften the urgency—it sharpens it. As Robin Cohen, CEO and Co-Founder of SROCF, puts it: “The Sandy Sprint is more than a race; it is a chance to turn determination into action,” and, “Returning to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, we’re proud to bring together women of teal and their families to celebrate courage and fight back against ovarian cancer.” That “women of teal” line hit me—because it captures how this cause has its own community language, its own visual identity, and its own sense of belonging.
Participants are encouraged to create an online fundraising page to help spread the word about the Sandy Sprint and reach their fundraising goals—because the race is just one part of the impact. Registration is straightforward, with fees set at $40 for adults, $30 for children under 12, and $55 for those bringing a canine companion. In true Philly fashion, it’s an event that welcomes your whole crew—family, friends, and even the dog—then turns that shared morning into real support for ovarian cancer research and education. When you show up for Sandy Rollman, you are logging a 5K, and you’re stepping into a 25-year tradition of taking grief, love, and grit—and converting it into progress.
Images: Shaun Reilly Photography
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