The Lowcountry Ovarian Cancer Alliance (LOCA) was founded by gynecologic cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, health professional students, and compassionate community members united by a shared purpose: to support women facing ovarian and gynecologic cancers in South Carolina while increasing awareness and education throughout the Lowcountry.
What began as a small group with a personal understanding of the journey has grown into a local nonprofit committed to meaningful, hands-on support for patients and families across Charleston and surrounding communities.
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage because its symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. A pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer, and there is currently no routine screening test for ovarian cancer. 1 in 87 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Too many women in South Carolina face delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and feelings of isolation after hearing the words, “You have cancer.”
We believe no woman should navigate this journey alone.
We are working toward a future where awareness leads to earlier detection, and support leads to strength.
Because LOCA was founded by survivors and healthcare professionals, our work is rooted in lived experience and clinical understanding. We recognize both the emotional and practical realities of a cancer diagnosis. We do more than raise awareness. We show up.
Through programs like Lunch Bunch gatherings and Bags of Hope, we provide tangible encouragement and real community connection at some of the most vulnerable moments in a woman’s life.
More info to come
More info to come
The women we serve are our neighbors, friends, mothers, daughters, and colleagues.
Every donation, volunteer hour, and partnership directly impacts women in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. As a local nonprofit organization, we are committed to stewarding resources carefully and ensuring that support remains accessible and personal.
Registered 501(c)(3)Charity: 99-0575220
Please contact us if you are a patient, or you know a patient, survivor, or community organization in need of our services who would like to assist us in our mission!