Ginger J. Gardner, MD
In this holiday season, I send you my warm appreciation for your passion and dedication to make a difference for all patients facing gynecologic cancers. Together, we continue to raise national awareness and increase education and research funding for ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. As I reflect on this year, I see so many incredible contributions and successes, all of which is truly a testament to the meaningful purpose and the promise of the future that we shape together.
Among the numerous successes in 2023, a few memorable highlights:
In Advocacy
In partnership with SGO leaders Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc, and Amanda Nickles Fader, MD, we tackled the chemotherapy shortage this spring with an informative patient education webinar, position statements and resources, and patient testimony in Congress to support an enduring pipeline and access to life-saving treatments for our patients.
In Patient Education
With leadership of Shannon Armbruster, MD, MPH, and Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, of the FWC Patient Education Committee, we celebrated a hugely successful Patient and Advocate Education Forum in Tampa. QR codes, downloads and printed FWC patient education materials are requested at historic rates. Meanwhile, the newly launched FWC caregiver webinar series provides resources and support for all those in the caregiving circle.
In Awareness
FWC awareness efforts were taken to new heights with the phenomenal success of Move4Her and the pinnacle event with Pure Barre and the Laughlin Family Foundation during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. This was followed by a new partnership with the fashion house, Burberry, and so many engaging events nationwide to raise awareness about the five gynecologic cancers. Thank you to Gena Pettinato, Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, MD, Erin Medlin, MD, and so many that contributed their creativity, energy and support!
In Research
FWC research and grants continue to grow in scope and impact. With the talented leadership of Chip Landen, MD, and Katherine Fuh, MD, PhD, of the FWC Research and Grants Committee, and Linda Duska, MD, MPH, and Marcela del Carmen, MD, MPH, of the Finance Committee, the FWC research portfolio has escalated new grant funding opportunities including research grants for rare tumors and sponsorship of the SGO BRIDGES scholars. As a crown jewel of the Foundation, the competitive FWC research grants provide valuable career support to many emerging scientists and clinical researchers.
In sum, 2023 has been a banner year due to the work and the incredible commitment of all of YOU! We stand together, to chart a new future, where our call to action rings clear for all to hear! Now is our time to celebrate our success together, and prepare to take action for the incredible opportunity ahead in the New Year!
With my heartfelt appreciation for being a cherished part of our journey together,
Chair, Board of Directors
Foundation for Women’s Cancer
