Three days. One shared mission. From meaningful conversations and powerful survivor stories to a rain-soaked start that gave way to sunshine, the 2026 Race to End Women’s Cancer Weekend brought our community together to move toward a future without gynecologic cancers.

From September 18–20, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) welcomed patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, healthcare professionals, families and supporters to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Race to End Women’s Cancer Weekend.

From meaningful conversations and educational sessions to a celebration of generosity and a race morning that began with rain and ended in sunshine, the weekend brought our community together to advance gynecologic cancer research, education and awareness.

As FWC celebrates its 35th anniversary, this year’s Race Weekend was a reminder of the power of community and the impact we can make together.

Friday: Patient & Advocacy Organizations Summit

Race Weekend began with collaboration and connection at the Patient & Advocacy Organizations Summit, bringing together leaders from patient advocacy organizations to explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and amplify the patient voice.

Through meaningful discussions, participants shared perspectives, exchanged ideas and identified opportunities to work together to advance education, awareness and care for those impacted by gynecologic cancers.

The Summit reinforced the importance of working together to strengthen our collective voice and make a greater impact across the gynecologic cancer community.

Saturday: Patient & Advocate Education Forum

On Saturday, more than 100 participants gathered at Hotel Washington for the 2026 Patient & Advocate Education Forum, a free educational event designed to empower patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates.

Expert-led sessions explored advances in gynecologic cancer care, clinical trials, financial navigation, survivorship, caregiver support, and more providing attendees with valuable information and resources to help them navigate gynecologic cancer.

The forum also created space for attendees to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others who understand their journeys.

Saturday Evening: Celebration Reception

Saturday evening, FWC hosted its Celebration Reception, bringing together donors and supporters for a special evening of gratitude, connection and recognition.

The reception honored the individuals and organizations whose generosity helps advance FWC’s mission and make our work in gynecologic cancer research, education and awareness possible.

As we celebrate 35 years of FWC, the evening was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made possible through decades of support and recognize those helping us continue this important work.

Sunday: Race to End Women’s Cancer

Rain or Shine, We Move for Her!

Race morning began with rain, but that didn’t stop our community from showing up at Freedom Plaza for the 2026 Race to End Women’s Cancer!

As the morning progressed, the clouds cleared and the sun began to shine, setting the stage for a celebration of strength, resilience and community.

We were also honored to welcome Sara Beckwith, MS, RDN, LD, Senior Deputy Director of the Community Health Administration at DC Health, and Dorothy Fink, MD, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of the Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who joined us on race morning to share remarks and show their support for the gynecologic cancer community.

More than 900 participants joined us in Washington, D.C., and virtually, including patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, families, friends and supporters.

From the timed 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk to our new Kids Fun Run, participants of all ages came together to move for a cause close to their hearts.

The morning was filled with activities and special moments:

• Music and entertainment: DJ Queen HD and Batala DC kept the energy high throughout the morning.
• Bouquet Bar: Participants created beautiful floral bouquets to take home.
• Kids Fun Run: Our youngest supporters joined the fun with a 100-meter run.
• Photo Booth: Families, friends and teammates captured memories together.
• Ice Cream: A sweet treat awaited participants after crossing the finish line.

Our Survivor Tent provided a welcoming space for survivors to connect and celebrate, while the 2026 Ribbon Wall gave participants a place to honor loved ones and share messages of hope. Through our survivor and caregiver video series, community members also shared their stories in their own words, reminding us who we move for and why this mission matters.

From the cheers along the course to the celebrations at the finish line, Race morning reminded us that every step matters—and every person who shows up makes a difference.

Celebrating Our Champions

Congratulations to our 2026 race winners and fundraising champions! Your dedication and generosity helped make this year’s Race Weekend a success.

💜 Survivor Award

Jessica Hamilton

🏅 5K Race Winners

💜 Top Individual Fundraisers

1. Chris Homewood, with $6,212.00
2. Arabelle Marcus, with $2,678.02
3. Debra Richardson, with $2,256.93

💜 Top Fundraising Teams

1. Walter Reed: The Force for Hope, with $9,212.64
2. AbbVie, with $6,708.51
3. OK Gynomite, with $5,612.72

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The success of Race Weekend was made possible through the generosity and partnership of our sponsors. Their support helps bring our community together and advance FWC’s mission of gynecologic cancer research, education and awareness.

2026 Race to End Women’s Cancer Sponsors

Breakthrough Sponsors
AbbVie
Eisai
Genmab

Research & Discovery Sponsor
GSK

Innovation Sponsor
Gilead
Lilly
Merck

Community Sponsors
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Corcept Therapeutics
Faeth
GOG Foundations

2026 Patient & Advocate Education Forum Sponsors

AbbVie
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Corcept Therapeutics
Eisai
Genmab
Gilead
Lilly
Merck
Pfizer

To all our sponsors, thank you for your commitment to the gynecologic cancer community and for helping make this year’s events possible.

We also extend our sincere thanks to DC Department of Health for its partnership throughout Race Weekend. Your collaboration and support helped make both the Patient & Advocate Education Forum and the Race to End Women’s Cancer possible.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line

Together, we’ve raised over $500,000 toward our 2026 fundraising goal of $750,000!

While Race Weekend may be over, our mission continues. Every gift helps FWC advance research, provide trusted educational resources for patients and families, and raise awareness of gynecologic cancers.

As we celebrate 35 years of FWC, your generosity helps us build on our legacy and continue making a meaningful difference for those impacted by these diseases.

There’s still time to make an impact!

Move4Her and Race to End Women’s Cancer

In Gratitude

To every patient, survivor, caregiver, advocate, healthcare professional, donor, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who joined us throughout Race Weekend—thank you!

Thank you for showing up, sharing your stories, supporting one another and helping us continue our mission.

From the meaningful conversations and connections throughout the weekend to the energy and excitement of Race morning, you reminded us what makes this community so special.

Together, we will continue advancing research, expanding education and raising awareness as we work toward a future without gynecologic cancers.

Mark your calendars! We can’t wait to see you at the 2027 Race to End Women’s Cancer on September 12, 2027! 💜