Local Cancer Treatment Center to Host 2nd Annual "Wig Out" Event

Online, March 31, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Highlands Oncology Group is excited to "Wig Out" for the 2nd annual event supporting ovarian cancer research. The "Wig Out" is being organized by Jo Ann Johnson, a Northwest Arkansas resident, of Fayetteville, whose daughter tragically died from ovarian cancer.

The event will take place at 6 p.m. April 12 at Highlands Oncology Group, 808 S. 52nd St., in Rogers, AR.

This special evening will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, music, exciting live and silent auction items, and more.

The money raised will benefit cancer research and patient support services at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, AR.

In 2009, Jo Ann lost her 39-year-old daughter, Kristen J. Madsen, to ovarian cancer. Kristen was a young vibrant mother of two boys who was in good health. Her family quickly realized that this disease can be ruthless and that more research is needed. Jo Ann's vision is to eradicate this disease and give hope to all of the mothers, daughters, and sisters who will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the future.

She named the event "Wig Out to Defeat Ovarian Cancer" because of the great joy Kristen found in wearing wigs after she lost her hair due to cancer treatment.

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, according to the National Cancer Institute, as was the case of Kristen. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, similar to those in other non-cancer conditions affecting women.

There is also no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. In fact, only 20 percent of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. Early detection is the key to survival, as it is with many other cancers. That is why Jo Ann is so passionate about raising money for ovarian cancer research at the UAMS Cancer Institute, Arkansas' only academic cancer center.

The institute's mission is to provide world-class patient care, conduct life-saving research, train tomorrow's leaders in healthcare and research in our state, and to educate the community in cancer prevention.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.giving.uams.edu/WIGOUT

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Highlands Oncology Group is a state-of-the-art facility, with a world-class team of specialists, that is committed to providing premier cancer treatment and to enhancing the quality of life of patients and their loved ones. Highlands Oncology group provides this in a friendly, comfortable environment conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas. Highlands offers the latest technology of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapies, on-site labs, a pharmacy and an infusion center. They also offer access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary clinics, and support groups. Highlands Oncology Group is helping patients win the battle against cancer every day.

For more information visit: http://www.highlandsoncologygroup.com/