Fall is a particularly busy time for the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). Beginning with Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) in September, the Foundation and our supporters joined together to inform and educate women across the U.S. about gynecologic cancers and ways to maintain their gynecologic health.
This is no small task but, as we have seen in recent years and especially this September, the ongoing support the Foundation receives from all of you continues to strengthen our public education efforts and ensures that we can make a difference for women.
A new exciting initiative was introduced this September - our "2003 State of the State of Gynecologic Cancers - First Annual Report to the Women of America." The report, which was written by members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), covered the latest medical and scientific advances for the most common gynecologic cancers, as well as information about risk factors, incidence rates, screening and prevention. The unprecedented report has received tremendous interest and support from both women and the media, and to date GCF has distributed several thousand reports nationwide.
Supporters also helped us reach Latina women through Spanish-language translations of some important materials this GCAM. From translating and publishing a Spanish version of The New York Times supplement about gynecologic cancers, to an advertisement featuring Miss USA, GCF has been actively communicating its messages to all communities.
As a personal plea I encourage all gynecologic oncologists to support our new GCF/National Cancer Institute Scholar's Program, which supports the development of outstanding clinician research scientists who are committed to a career in research and have the potential to develop into independent investigators. Through programs such as this, GCF ensures the continuation of advances in treatment and care for women with gynecologic cancers.
Finally, to continue strengthening GCF's efforts, we urge all friends of the Foundation to include GCF in end-of-year giving and ongoing charitable donations. As shown through GCF's recent activities, "Support Yields Success." Please take a moment to complete the enclosed pledge card to help GCF support its mission. In addition, we are pleased to offer a new donor matching program this year. Please see page 7 for further information.
I wish you a most pleasant fall season and encourage and appreciate your involvement in GCF.
Sincerely,
Karl C. Podratz, MD, PhD
