Board of Directors

Mission Statement

GCF Funded Programs 2001

GCF Public Outreach/Education Programs

Cumulative List of 2001 GCF Donors

Corporate Contributions

2001 Finance Report

Information Hotline (PDF)

GCF Public Outreach / Education Programs

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Information Hotline 1-800-444-4441
In an effort to provide valuable information on gynecologic cancer to the public, the GCF provides the GCF "Information Hotline." Anyone who dials 1-800-444-4441 will be offered 5 types of information. All of these services are free:

Annual Meeting Media Campaign
Several members of GCF Media Response Team were on hand to answer questions and give interviews to the news media. This year's campaign, sponsored by SGO/GCF, consisted of highlighting three research papers in an attempt to draw media attention to the Annual Meeting. The results speak for themselves. We received more than 200 newspapers, 150 online and 10 radio placements reaching more than 100 million people. Highlights of the coverage include: USA Today, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, The Washington Post, The Canadian Press, Associated Press, Reuters and Dow Jones, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, MSNBC Live, CBS Evening News, CNN Headline News, and National Telemundo Network, New York Times.com, MSNBC.com, USAToday.com, TIME.com, CBS Healthwatch.com, WebMD.com, ChicagoTribune.com, Medscape.com, CancerSource.com and HealthScout.com and others.

Hometown Radio Program
The SGO/GCF Newsroom wasn't the only place where interviews were happening. SGO/GCF gave all SGO/GCF members the opportunity to participate in a first-ever radio interview, discussing gynecologic awareness and the importance of visiting a gynecologic oncologist. These interviews were distributed to radio stations in that members' hometown region. Some members were able to do this interview in Spanish as well as English, which reached many women who wouldn't otherwise know when to see a gynecologic oncologist. More than 70 SGO/GCF member interviews took place at the annual meeting. The results were outstanding. More than 550 radio stations across the country have aired the SGO/GCF member interviews during drive time. Our message reached more than 37.8 million people.

Public Service Award
Saralyn Mark, MD, Senior Medical Advisor for the Office on Women's Health within the Department of Public Health was, named 2001 recipient for her tremendous support and efforts through her dedication to women's health issues and raising public awareness.

Patient Brochures
Maintain Your Gynecologic Health With Education and Early Detection, was designed to help women understand how reproductive cancers are diagnosed and treated, and what symptoms are associated with each disease. Copies of this brochure are disseminated from the SGO/GCF Headquarters offices, GCF's 1-800-444-4441 Information Hotline, and mailed upon request to allied organizations and patient support groups. The "Beating the Odds", Ovarian Cancer National Resource List and the brochure describing the foundation the women's cancer network web site are also able upon request. A new brochure is being developed in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which will explain the risks/links between ovarian and breast cancer, and will be distributed in 2002.

GCF's Publications
In 2001 GCF's mailed 4 bulletins to all members and supporters. GCF sent 3 broadcast email messages called "GCF This Month" to all members and supporters, GCF developed these vehicles to keep members and supporters apprised of its ongoing activities. In 2001, GCF headquarters distributed a survey to random GCF's members and supporters asking for their feedback about the bulletin.

Women's Cancer Network (WCN) Revolutionized
Since women can take steps to reduce their risk for gynecologic cancers, the GCF used the power of Internet to offer women an interactive method of assessing their risk levels in the privacy and convenience of their homes. Launched in 1998, this free, confidential on line risk assessment tool is available at www.wcn.org. In 2001 over 60,000 people accessed the WCN. A meeting of the GCF Women's Cancer Network Advisory Board took place in Nashville, TN in March 2001 to develop a working plan to take the WCN to an entirely new level which will include an enhanced survey tool, upgraded survivor section which includes information on clinical trials, daily medical news articles, referral guide to gynecologic oncologists, frequently asked questions section and much more. The WCN Board's goal is to make WCN the most comprehensive cancer information resource for women today. Enamored by its potential Bristol-Myers- Squibb Oncology agreed to provide a very generous grant to support this upgrade beginning in 2002.

Walk for the Whisper
This event was held in May in Naperville, IL by the Illinois Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition for the fourth consecutive year to raise funds for ovarian cancer research and public awareness. A grant of $50,000 was given to GCF to support ovarian cancer research.

Leap for GCF
GCF hosted its second annual "Leap for GCF" run/walk event at the SGO Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. Through the early morning wake up call, rain and cold we were thrilled to see so many people turn out for some exercise and showed their continued support for this event.

GCF Hosts Allied Support Group Meetings
GCF hosted its seventh Allied Support Group Meeting, were representatives from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, SHARE, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Conversations, Office on Women's Health, Gynecologic Oncology Group, National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists and National Cancer Institute. Twice a year GCF hosts these Allied Support Group Meetings to update each other on current events. The attendance of this meeting was at an all time high and showed much enthusiasm. The groups spent the remainder of the meeting, discussing upcoming collaborative projects, which included the event of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September. A gynecologic cancer patient information kit for newly diagnosed women, was also discussed and the advocacy groups are eager to help with this project. We were thrilled to have the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined us for their first Allied Support Group Meeting in March. Laverne Mensah, MD, who represented the CDC stated that she was impressed with each of the members groups' efforts in partnerships, to address the important issues which includes prevention, public awareness and education for survivors to improve their quality of life.

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM)
For the third consecutive year, GCF set out to raise awareness and educate millions about the prevention, detection and treatment of gynecologic cancers during September ­ Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM). To our surprise we did not know that our world would soon change. We completely redesigned our Publicity Kit, which suggested various ways to reach out to the community and publicize GCAM. The kit's updated look will serve as a model for all branded pieces that GCF produces. Promotional information and materials in the kit included event ideas, sample press releases and media advisories, and instructions for generating publicity in the community. As a new component, the kit also contained a Governor's Letter to encourage governors to declare September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in their home states. GCF partnered with Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology in a campaign to announce syndicated radio personality Valerie Smalldone's fight with ovarian cancer. The top-rated broadcaster from New York City's number on station, 106.7 Lite-FM, wanted to share her experience with ovarian cancer so other women and their loved ones would be inspired to learn about the risks and symptoms. The campaign elements included a radio news release, which featured Valerie and Dr. Beth Karlan. Unfortunately, the satellite media tour with Valerie Smalldone and Dr. Carol Brown ran on the infamous morning of September 11. Despite the timing, the satellite media tour still garnered impressive coverage. Despite all of the hard and time dedicated during September, our efforts were impacted due to the forces beyond our control. However, we still experienced numerous successes. The following highlights our achievements. Over 19 states declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign's media outreach efforts facilitated GCAM placements in the nation's top media outlets including, print, broadcast, radio and online publications. Other articles that appeared in ACOG, Contemporary OB/GYN, Oncology Times and Health Care Strategic Management netted more than 100,000 readers. August and September, GCF headquarters distributed over 100,000 educational brochures, and posters upon requests from members and supporters. Supporters made a difference locally for GCAM. Reports show that supporters hosted events or educational seminars in recognition of GCAM. The outpouring of commitment from our supporters delighted GCF.

Media Response Team
The Communication's Committee saw the desire and need to create a media response team. The media response team is a network of geographically represented SGO/GCF members trained and equipped to conduct fast turnaround media interviews. Once media requests an interview, this team is alerted and a source is identified based on availability, location and/or expertise. GCF has established itself to the media as the organization to contact when in need of a gynecologic oncologist for an article.

Ovarian Cancer Educational Presentation Kit For The Lay Public (Slide Development)
GCF announced after much hard work and collaboration, a new Ovarian Cancer Educational Kit for the Lay Public. All SGO/GCF members and supporters received a presentation kit and were encouraged to stage presentations to the public. The kit served as an extension of GCF's Gynecologic Oncology Education Kit for Medical Professionals. "We are delighted to have this tool to advance our public education program because it will be of great us to all our board members as well as they fulfill speaking obligations," said Pat Goldman, President of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. This kit serves as an excellent example of the positive benefits that result due to collaboration among GCF and the various advocacy groups. Thanks to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for it's funding support of this kit.

1/800 Ad Development and Placement
GCF developed its first-ever 1/800 print ad to promote the information hotline and the importance of seeing a gynecologic oncologist. Thanks to Amgen this ad ran in the September issue of Woman's Day magazine. With a circulation of over 20 million and selling more copies per issue than any other magazine. With much more success the ad was also placed in MAMM magazine, ACOG and Southern Living (Home for The Holidays Issue). The placement in Woman's Day magazine spiked calls to the 1/800 information hotline. Nearly 3,000 people placed calls to the hotline in October.

New Uterine Cancer Public Outreach Fund
GCF received a disguised blessing as an e-mail arriving via GCF e-mail box, asking "Why aren't you doing more for uterine cancer?" GCF responded with the unfortunate truth that a lack of effort was not due to a lack of interest but rather funding constraints. This led to several conversations and meetings discussing ways that GCF and the Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life could work together to aggressively educate women and healthcare professionals about the early detection of uterine cancer. Friends and family established the Fund for Life in the memory of Elizabeth Gillespie after she lost her battle to uterine cancer. Collaborative efforts are underway to increase uterine awareness and early detection through education and advocacy. In April the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) honored Elizabeth during its annual fundraising event. Dr. Lisa Sandles attended the fund-raiser and distributed GCF literature to increase awareness of the Foundation's efforts. This was the first of what the Fund for Life and GCF expects to be many future public education, awareness and fundraising efforts. GCF and the Fund for Life launched the Fund for Life's Web page as part of the GCF's Web site. The Fund for Life will participate in the Allied Support Groups and looks forward to the benefits of the synergy and strength of this collaborative group.

GCF's Collaboration with the Rita Gynecologic Cancer Eradication (RGCE) Network
GCF is always searching for new, creative ways to raise awareness on a grassroot level. We incorporated our partnership with the RGCE Network to raise money for gynecologic cancer research through series of concerts held across the United States. Famed musicians, including New York opera and Broadway singer, Tessa Lang, a mezzosoprano, tenor Johannes Schwaiger , and pianist Nathan Matthews, will lend their talents to aid the cause. The first RGCE concert, "A tribute to Our Mothers," was held in Short Hills, NJ.

Panzer Motorcycle Collaboration
GCF joined forces with Panzer Motorcycle in a Cross Country Motorcycle Rally, where two women Heidi Lauby and Kate O'Flynn are set-out on a cross country eventure to advocate gynecologic health. During their 10,000 mile journey, they will stop at Panzer Motorcycle dealers and other places to pass out our educational brochures. There were scheduled rallies to help promote awareness about gynecologic cancer and raise money. The first rally was held in June and nearly 125 women motorcyclists and 25 men gathered in San Bernardino, CA to hear Heidi Lauby and GCF representative Mark Genesen, MD spoke about GCF and gynecologic cancers. The second rally was held in Denver, CO where another representative of GCF, Susan Davidson, MD joined the Easy Riders of Denver to distribute educational materials to attendees. There was also an event outside of GCF headquarters in Chicago, IL, where GCF materials were distributed to the public to help raise awareness about gynecologic cancer. The motorcycle riders rode from GCF headquarters to Ideal Rides in East Dundee, IL to show their support for GCF.

Reaching the Hispanic Community
The Foundation has continually sought funds to communicate its message to the Hispanic community. While the Foundation searched for a way to reach the Spanish speaking women in the Hispanic community, the daughters of Carmen Delia Gomez had the answer. Their mother lost her battle to ovarian cancer, and her death inspired her daughters to save other mothers and daughters from experiencing what they did. They wanted to help women access the resources and information that could save their lives. A fund-raiser was organized to benefit GCF in support of the Foundation's programs and nearly 200 friends, family and members of the community gathered in Chicago for the highly emotional and educational event. Karen Carlson spoke on behalf of the Foundation and Dr. Gustavo Rodriguez highlighted recent advances in the war against ovarian cancer. A breast cancer survivor recanted her experience and urged the Hispanic community to visit their doctors on a regular basis. Other speakers included Dr. Rossana Barrera-Saavedra from the Woman's Health Center at Norwegian American Hospital, were she spoke in Spanish on the importance of early detection.

Donor Drive
The theme for this year's donor drive "Join The Race ­ Go The Distance". The donor drive's plan was for the GCF Membership Drive Committee to contact colleagues and urge them to donate to GCF. The response from the donor drive was a great start to get members to donate before the holiday season. We would like to thank Fujirebio Diagnostic for their $5,000 contribution, which matched every dollar GCF members donated up to $5,000.

GCF Honors and Awards ­ Award of Excellence
GCF was one of 21 out of188 organizations selected to receive the American Society of Association Executives 2001 "Award of Excellence" for the Gynecologic Oncology Educational Kit for Medical Professionals. The Association Advance America Awards recognize associations and industry partners that advance American Society with innovative programs in education, skills training, standard setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.

GCF Named to List of Top 100 Best Charities in the Country
GCF was named in the list of the "Top 100 Best Charities In the Country" by Worth Magazine in December 2001. With more than 819,000 charities in America today, Worth magazine took the guess work out of giving by carefully researching organizations to develop the coveted "Top 100" List. The List includes a variety of organizations for the environment, education, health, human services, and relief and development. Of the 26 health organizations listed, GCF was one of only two organizations solely focused on women's health.

GCF Strategic Planning Meeting
In a meeting convened on October 19, 2001 in Chicago, Illinois, by Wesley C. Fowler, Jr., M.D., Chairperson of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), the following strategic plan was proposed. Modify the existing GCF mission statement to read: The mission of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) is to ensure public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment. In addition the Foundation supports research and training related to gynecologic cancers. GCF advances this mission by increasing public and private funds that aid in the development and implementation of programs to meet these goals. To accomplish this goal the GCF will lead the following initiatives by:

1. Working with the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), the GCF will retain a Development Officer to increase contributions and the financial base for both organizations.

2. Redesigning the GCF Committee infrastructure to encompass a Development Committee, Advocacy Committee (Allied Support Group) as well as enhance/modify the current committees on Membership, Communication, Women's Cancer Network and Research.

3. Exploring specific options to expand its leadership by creating a "lay" Board of Trustees and/or Advisory Committee and consider expansion of the GCF Board of Directors by adding a non-physician seat (s) on the GCF Board.

4. Promote specific roles and responsibilities of GCF/SGO and increase awareness of those specific roles to the GCF/SGO membership.

5. Use SGO Annual Meeting and other appropriate forums to increase member participation in GCF with a particular emphasis on increasing the member's awareness of the public outreach activities of GCF.

6. Cooperating with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) propose a redesign to the current GCF/NCI Training Fellowship Program to include a post fellowship opportunity at NCI and increase the stipend to $100,000 annually split equally between GCF and NCI. In addition reformat the research grant program criteria to ensure accountability and annual reports to the Committee to enhance appropriate monitoring and progress. Upon approval from NCI for redesign of program it will be assumed that the current GCF/NCI Training Fellowship Program will be discontinued.

7. Developing specific projects with the GCF Allied Support Group.

8. Enhancing the Public Outreach activities of GCF.

Summary: It is recognized that these activities will require business plans and further development and that they are only the initial steps necessary to meet our goal.