Building a Brighter Future
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer reflects on the success of 35 years and prepares for the opportunities ahead.
The charge to further women’s health and fight cancer is not an easy task. Thankfully, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) share a vision to eliminate disease and help patients and their families thrive.
According to FWC Chair Ginger J. Gardner, MD, FACOG, the organizations believe “everyone has the power to impact, prevent, or overcome a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer.” Dr. Gardner is also a gynecologic surgeon at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and professor at Weill Cornell School of Medicine in New York City.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the FWC — a huge milestone for the public awareness philanthropy that prioritizes education, research, outreach, and advocacy to create better outcomes and new opportunities for those affected by or at risk for cancer.
History in the making
The FWC will celebrate its landmark accomplishments throughout 2026, including some notable highlights. Over $1 million in FWC research grants will be awarded in support of 21 gynecologic cancer researchers at the 2026 SGO Annual Meeting. These competitive research grants are presented to the top science, as vetted by the FWC Research Committee led by Dr. Larry Maxwell and Dr. Katherine Fuh.
“This is a historic year in cresting well over $1 million in a single year from the FWC, as we invest in talented researchers and the future of hope that their findings will enable for our patients,” Dr. Gardner said.
Free FWC patient education also continues to be a sentinel program as led by Dr. Lynn Parker and Dr. Josh Cohen. In fact, the FWC kicked off its 35th year yesterday with the live FWC 2026 Patient and Advocate Education Forum on Gynecologic Health and Cancer. Dr. Gardner said this is the first event of its kind in Puerto Rico, and response for the forum has been tremendous. The FWC is partnering with local Puerto Rico organizations: Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer (the local ACS in Puerto Rico), VocesPR, and the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Other exciting developments planned for this 35th year feature a new FWC podcast series, which further positions the FWC as the trusted voice in gynecologic cancers, as well as an expansion of the FWC Community Health Worker Program, including rural health and bilingual pilots for community health workers.
The FWC continues its goal to expand awareness with efforts in Times Square, in partnership with the WNBA teams, and by engaging strong female athletes with the cause.
“Large-scale awareness has impact and shines a light on the important work of SGO members and our patient community,” Dr. Gardner said. “Dr. Shannon Westin, with FWC communications, and Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, with FWC development, each lends their talented efforts and that of their teams to continue to elevate the presence of the FWC.”
The signature annual event, The Race to End Women’s Cancer, will take place Sunday, Sep. 20, in Washington, D.C. This event raises critical awareness and funds regarding the five gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal, and vulvar. The Move4Her season already kicked off with its first two events in Florida and Connecticut.
“The race is a landmark expression of our presence as a gynecologic cancer community. In the nation’s capital, we will rally together on behalf of our patients,” Dr. Gardner said. “Additional Move4Her events will take place across the country, enabling local engagement in many different forms, such as car shows, dance events, neighborhood walks, golfing, tennis, sky diving, wine tasting, and more. Every movement matters, so it’s time to activate your own local event and share the power and presence of our special community with others.”
Looking ahead
While proud of the achievements of the FWC as it kicks off its 35th year, there is much work ahead, Dr. Gardner said. She pointed to unmet needs in scientific research grant funding, clinical trial opportunities and access, and widespread education about women’s cancer.
“Gynecologic cancers include diseases that don’t get enough attention or enough research funding; meanwhile, some of these cancers are on the rise. It’s time we change that,” she said. “Our work is ongoing so that all people can understand the risk factors and symptoms of these diseases for themselves and their loved ones, and so all patients have the knowledge of and access to the most state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options as shared by the SGO and the scientific progress of our gynecologic cancer community together.”
The Annual Meeting is an extraordinary occasion for physicians and colleagues across the specialty to connect, celebrate, and collaborate, Dr. Gardner said. She is especially looking forward to the scientific advancements that will be presented as well as the FWC Patient Education Forum — a free event for patients and physicians that will be held entirely in Spanish.
“What an impactful way to bring the newest breakthroughs to our patients and to hear from patients about areas where we can focus our efforts ahead,” she said.
A worthy call to action
Dr. Gardner encourages every SGO member to get involved with the FWC at some level — big or small. All participation makes a difference, and it’s not too late to start. Volunteer for an activity, make a donation, register your Move4Her team, or simply share the free FWC educational materials with your patients and community.
“To support the FWC is to take action to build a brighter future,” she said. “Cheers to all who have brought us to where we are today as we kick off the next 35 years together!”
