Making a Difference
Funding
It's only through the support of our members and donors that we continue our fight to end cancer. There are many ways that you can get involved; through membership, events, and leaving a legacy gift to join us in this endeavor.
Education
In our partnership with College of Central Florida we offer learning seminar luncheons and library resources to focus on cancer prevention and related information. ORD provides nursing scholorships through our endowment.
Research
The Ocala Royal Dames provides funding for cancer research at UF Health Cancer Institute and Moffitt Cancer Center. Through our funding to these world-class scientists, we have partnered in breakthrough research.
Dames' Success
At the Ocala Royal Dames, we believe that every research dollar is a step forward in our relentless pursuit of a cancer-free future, where hope intertwines with innovation to create tangible change in our community. Our dedication goes beyond mere funding; it’s about fostering a culture of compassion and collaboration, inspiring local individuals and families to join our mission as advocates for change. We invite you to be part of this transformative journey, where your involvement fuels not just advancements in medical research, but also empowers survivors and raises awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention. Together, we can build a legacy of resilience and support that honors those affected by cancer while igniting a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Join Us and Our Funding Partners!
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Is a registered trademark of Merck & Co.
Copyright © 2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
Testimonials
Cancer has touched my family deeply. My sister passed in 1998, and my father also lost his battle with cancer. My mother-in-law has bravely undergone treatment, including the removal of both breasts, and today she is cancer-free—a blessing that reminds me why our work matters.
These experiences fuel my commitment to the Royal Dames. Every meeting, every fundraiser, every dollar we raise brings us closer to breakthroughs that can save lives. I support this organization because I believe in hope, in research, and in a future where families no longer have to endure the pain of cancer.
This is why I proudly stand with the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research—because finding a cure isn’t just important to me… IT’S PERSONAL!
Kitty Barnette
Current Ocala Royal Dames President
I am a member of this wonderful group of women who are passionate about finding a cure for cancer through research.
My family and I experienced this terrible disease. I lost family members to the disease, am a cancer survivor, and now my dear husband is battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Please join us! We need everyone! We have done so much, however there is so much more to do to achieve our goal to eradicate this terrible disease!!! That is why we work so hard to raise money for cancer research!!!!
A cure for cancer in our lifetime? It could happen!!!!
Patricaia Tennant Sokol
Past President and Chair of the Allocations Committee
We at the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute applaud the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research for funding leading-edge cancer research. Thank you for helping us in our mission to find, prevent and ultimately cure cancer while addressing the unique challenges of the cancer burden faced by the population we serve.
Thomas George, M.D., FACP, FASCO
Interim Director of the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute
Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research Endowed Scholarship
Thank you so much for the opportunities you have opened for me through this scholarship! I am very grateful for even the consideration of assisting me in my journey through higher education, so I am very pleased to write this acceptance letter. I am currently finishing my first semester in the College of Central Florida's Nursing program as a level 1 student nurse. I plan to finish the year strong with my straight As, and I am excited for next semester's clinicals to begin again. I have found myself enjoying, and falling in love with, caring for patients even more and my experience so far has further cemented my aspirations to become a nurse practitioner in an oncology clinic. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have received this scholarship as my mother is still going through her cancer treatments and I feel encouraged to continue my education to help her through her difficulties.
Thank you,
Alondra Rivera-Martinez
"Receiving support from the Ocala Royal Dames early in my career as a scientist made a meaningful difference in both my research and professional development. Their support allowed me to translate my scientific findings into patients with cancer. I truly appreciate the confidence and investment the Ocala Royal Dames has placed in me over the years."
Shari Pilon-Thomas, PhD
Join us for our Annual Signature Event as we proudly celebrate 40 years of our mission to raise funds in the fight against cancer.
Upcoming Events
Shop Talk Workshops
- September 14th | UF | Topic: Prevention and Survivorship focus on Diet and Exercise
- November 2nd | Moffitt | Topic: NEWLY FUNDED RESEARCHERS:
Robert Gatenby, M.D. and Noemi Andor, Ph.D.
Birthday Celebration Luncheon
RSVP by September 18, 2026
Grateful for Our Sponsors
