The River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance will cease operations after more than a decade of serving patients and families affected by ovarian cancer in Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. While the organization formally ends its independent work, its mission will be carried forward by Highlands Oncology, a nonprofit research group based in Springdale dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and support.
Established in the early 2010s, the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance has operated as a patient-centered nonprofit, providing education, emotional support, and advocacy for ovarian cancer patients throughout the region. The alliance organized awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and facilitated connections to clinical trials and specialized care. Its efforts helped fill gaps in local oncology support services, particularly for women facing this aggressive cancer with one of the highest mortality rates among gynecologic cancers.
In recent years, the Alliance faced challenges common to many small nonprofits, including limited funding and volunteer capacity. Leadership decided that transferring resources and programs to Highlands Oncology would ensure continuity of support for ovarian cancer patients. Highlands Oncology has a broader clinical and research infrastructure, offering access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials at its Springdale facility.
Highlands Oncology’s president, Dr. Lisa Montgomery, said that incorporating the Alliance’s initiatives into their patient support framework would enhance outreach and improve outcomes. “The River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance has done vital work building community awareness and support networks,” Montgomery said. “By joining our resources and expertise, we can expand those efforts and help more women navigate diagnosis and treatment here in Northwest Arkansas.”
The transition will preserve key programs such as patient education seminars, survivor support groups, and fundraising drives targeted toward ovarian cancer research. Highlands Oncology plans to maintain the alliance’s database of patients and caregivers to facilitate ongoing communication and resource delivery. Staff members from the alliance have been offered roles within the Highlands system to provide continuity for clients during the transition.
Local survivors and advocates expressed mixed emotions about the news. Several emphasized gratitude for the alliance’s contributions but acknowledged the benefits of integration with a larger cancer care organization. “The Alliance was a lifeline for many of us,” said Susan Keller, a Fayetteville resident who has been an ovarian cancer survivor for five years. “Knowing Highlands Oncology will carry forward their work gives me confidence that future patients will have access to even more comprehensive care and support.”
Ovarian cancer remains a critical health issue in Arkansas and the broader region. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, approximately 150 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer statewide each year, and survival rates have only marginally improved over the past decade. Early detection and advanced treatment options remain essential to improving survival outcomes.
Highlands Oncology has invested heavily in clinical research, with ongoing trials focused on novel therapies for ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. Integrating the alliance’s grassroots patient engagement with Highlands’ medical capabilities is seen as a strategic move to elevate ovarian cancer care in Northwest Arkansas.
The River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s board thanked community partners, donors, and volunteers who supported the organization throughout its operation. The board emphasized that ending the separate nonprofit entity was a strategic decision to strengthen support services for patients rather than an indication of program failure.
Patients currently engaged with the alliance were encouraged to reach out to Highlands Oncology at their Springdale office for information on continuing support and treatment options. Highlands Oncology will host an open house event later this summer to formally introduce former alliance clients to their new resources and care teams.
As cancer support organizations evolve in Northwest Arkansas, the consolidation of resources under Highlands Oncology could serve as a model for regional collaboration. Similar nonprofit mergers have been seen in other health sectors, often improving efficiency and increasing the scale of patient services.
The River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance leaves a legacy of raising awareness and providing compassionate care to ovarian cancer patients in Benton County and surrounding communities. Its integration into Highlands Oncology marks a shift toward more centralized and medically integrated support, reflecting the growing complexity of cancer treatment and survivorship needs in the region.
Source: 5News KFSM
