In 1998, at the age of 42, Gloria Shapiro was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She fought this disease with all her strength for over 6 years. She lost her battle on September 17, 2004.
Gloria was a woman of tremendous strength, courage and determination, and in her struggle with ovarian cancer she was inspired to take a stand, for the sake of all women, against this ‘disease that whispers’. She established the Gloria Shapiro Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research at the Jewish General Hospital in order to help fulfill the dream that someday other women would not have to suffer as she had. The goal of the fund is twofold – to raise funds for research and patient care as well as to make women aware of the disease’s very subtle symptoms.
From the beginning, Gloria was assisted by her beloved sister Maxine, who ensured that Gloria’s legacy lived on and grew in scope over the years. Maxine took on the role of Honorary Chairperson of this group of dedicated women, which she led as Ambassador. Sadly, on October 2, 2020 Maxine suffered a heart attack and passed away from complications a few days later. The Shapiro-Rosenblatt family legacy now lives on through Maxine’s daughter Stefanie, who has been a devoted member of the group since its inception. Stefanie has now proudly taken on the role of Ambassador of Gloria’s Girls in tribute to her beloved late mother and aunt.
Today, Gloria’s passion and determination to help others lives on through Gloria’s Girls, a group of women committed to carrying on her mission.
In 2019, Gloria’s Girls surpassed the $1.5 million mark in total funds raised. All proceeds from the group’s fundraising activities are directed towards increasing awareness, enhancing patient care, and funding research at the Jewish General Hospital – all in support of Ovarian and Gynaecological Cancer.
Some of Gloria’s Girls current projects and programs include:
- Gloria’s Girls Compassionate Care Fund: A financial resource coordinated by the Department of Social Services, benefiting women and their families to provide transportation, food, childcare and everyday comforts.
- DigniCap Clinical Trial: An innovative project exclusively for ovarian cancer patients at the Jewish General Hospital. The DigniCap is used during chemotherapy treatments aiming to minimize or prevent chemo-induced alopecia (hair loss).
- Awareness and Education:
1. On-site and virtual “Lunch & Learn” company awareness events, where professional speakers sensitize women to the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of early detection.
To make a request for a “Lunch & Learn” session at no charge, please contact: Chelsea Weitzman, Event Coordinator at 514-340-8222 x 25889 or chelsea.weitzman@jgh.mcgill.ca.
2. Handbooks preparing patients undergoing gynaecological Robotic Surgery.
- Post-Surgery Kit: A kit to support women after undergoing invasive surgery.
- Empowering Patients: A unique mobile management application, customized for JGH cancer patients, their doctors, and care givers. The app empowers cancer patients and helps them manage and improve the cancer treatment process.
- Cutting-edge Research: A project initiated at the JGH to evaluate molecular markers, (related to the repairs of DNA) in patients with cancers on the ovaries. This will lead to personalized treatments and the prevention of hereditary cancers in those relatives at risk.
- Robotic Surgery: Robotic surgery results in less pain and a quicker recovery overall. The JGH team has pioneered the utilization of “Robotic Surgery” for gynaecological cancer patients and Gloria’s Girls is aiming to make it accessible to more women.
We sincerely thank you for your interest and support. If you wish to send personalized cards with donations directed to the Gloria Shapiro Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research and supported programs, or for more information, please contact Chelsea Weitzman, Event Coordinator at 514-340-8222 x 25889 or chelsea.weitzman@jgh.mcgill.ca.
