Empowering Progress: The Foundation for Women's Cancer
The 2025 FWC strategic plan sets the course to improve outcomes for all patients.
As the gynecologic oncology community gathers for the SGO 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, the Foundation for Women's Cancer (FWC) stands at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy. Under the leadership of FWC Chair Ginger Gardner, MD, FACOG, the foundation has established ambitious goals to enhance patient outcomes, raise awareness, and drive innovation in the fight against gynecologic cancers.
A Mission-Driven Year: Goals for 2025
With an unwavering commitment to advancing the field, the FWC has set three core priorities for 2025: increasing research funding, expanding patient education, and strengthening community engagement. These pillars reflect a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of gynecologic cancers, from prevention to treatment and survivorship.
“This work is essential in order to propel our field forward and maximize the opportunity for every patient to have the best chance for disease prevention and treatment,” Dr. Gardner said. “With uterine cancer on the rise, the enigma of ovarian cancer in evolution, cervical/vaginal and vulvar cancers that need to be eradicated along with the host of rare gynecologic cancers, now is the time to partner with the FWC to increase research, patient education and awareness, and thereby improve outcomes for all patients.”
The Race to End Women's Cancer
An exciting event in the FWC calendar, The Race to End Women’s Cancer will be a beacon of hope and action. Returning for the first time since the COVID pandemic, the race will take place Sunday, Sept. 14, in Washington, D.C, as the FWC’s signature event for the 2025 Move4Her campaign.
“Are you ready for Purple Power?” Dr. Gardner asks. “Come join us as we hit our stride down Pennsylvania Avenue!” The race brings together doctors, patients, advanced practice providers, patient advocates and caregivers, and community leaders to fuel research and programming directly impacting gynecologic cancer patients.
Move4Her’s momentum extends beyond the race, with local events across the country uniting communities in action.
“The momentum of Move4Her local events across the country is magnetic, as we build toward the FWC marquis event during September’s Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month with the Race to End Women’s Cancer,” Dr. Gardner said.
This year’s festivities will also include a full FWC Patient Education program on Sept. 13, offering the latest updates in gynecologic cancer prevention and treatment. Free registration ensures accessibility for all, welcoming attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and support the cause.
Championing the Future of Gynecologic Cancer Advocacy
With a rapidly growing presence, the FWC has developed a 2025-27 strategic plan focused on five key objectives:
- Champion: Strengthen advocacy efforts
- Engage: Build a broader, more inclusive community to drive change
- Educate: Empower patients and caregivers with knowledge, support, and tools
- Catalyze: Foster collaborative partnerships to lead a bold movement
- Inspire: Motivate patients and professionals by enabling innovative research to unlock solutions
The 2025 plan was developed through input from patients, physicians, advanced practice providers, community leaders, and partner organizations, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach.
“Your voice is heard, and the FWC will amplify our efforts to assure we achieve our best success in these endeavors,” Dr. Gardner said.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Reflecting on the past year, the FWC has made significant strides in its mission, Dr. Gardner said, including:
- Welcoming Kim Hoarle as CEO
- Expanding research funding with creation of two Wendy R. Brewster, MD, PhD, Multiply Your Impact BRIDGES Accelerator Research Grants, the SGO Winter Meeting Young Investigator Research Grant, and clinical trial support
- Enhancing patient education, including a Community Health Worker Gynecologic OncologyTraining Program and multilingual resources, now available in Arabic
- Broadening outreach efforts with the Michael Frumowitz, MD, MPH, MS, CPXP, Rare Gynecologic Cancer Patient Advocate Travel Award
- Hosting over 2,000 attendees at successful Move4Her events, raising funds and awareness nationwide
These achievements underscore the FWC’s impact and set the stage for even greater success in the coming year.
Engaging at SGO 2025: Opportunities for Involvement
Attendees are encouraged to participate in the SGO 2025 Regional Team Challenge funding FWC Young Investigator Research Awards in cervical and endometrial cancer, in memory of Wendy R. Brewster, MD, PhD. The first 500 donors who donate $100 or more will receive a special gift: an FWC purple umbrella. Visit “Fund the Future. Honor a Legacy,” select your regional team and make your donation of any amount — every dollar raised accelerates this vital research.
Be Part of the Movement
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer is more than an organization — it is a community of advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, and survivors working together to transform the future of gynecologic oncology.
“We celebrate you all … and our arms are always open to new friends who want to learn more about the FWC!” Gardner said.
For more information, visit the SGO/FWC Exhibit Booth or explore opportunities at https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/
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