16 Jan Gloria’s Girls – a story of friendship…
Gloria’s Girls is celebrating its 10th year of passionate work towards raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Research, heightening public awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of The silent killer, and providing better care to patients affected by the “disease that whispers.”
Gloria Shapiro was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer at the age of 42. The successful fashion buyer had waited 15 months before she received an accurate diagnosis. Precious time was lost before her treatment began.
In spite of her ill health, Gloria established the Gloria Shapiro Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal. Her objective was to raise funds to finance research, to educate the public and sensitize women to early signs of the disease (early symptoms are often mistaken for more benign problems), as well as to support services for those suffering from it.
Sadly, in 2004, at the age of 49, she lost her brave battle with The Silent Killer. Gloria planted the seed, and since her passing, her friends have been working passionately to pursue her goal. Through Gloria’s Girls, a group of women committed to carrying on Gloria’s mission, her passion and determination to help others live on. Over the past ten years the group organized numerous fundraising events (It’s A Girl Thing, luncheons, Night at the Theatre events and an anniversary gala in October 2014 at The Rialto Theatre). Moreover, Gloria’s Girls provides free Lunch & Learn lectures to female employees at different companies (To schedule a free L & L education session for your employees please contact Mary Etzitian at the JGH Foundation Tel. 514-340 8222 ext. 3986).
Gloria’s Girls raises awareness with an annual Blossoms of Hope campaign (flowers can be ordered and delivered accompanied by an awareness card), supports patients with a thoughtful post-surgery welcome kit, and makes daily realities a little bit better with a Compassionate Fund for those in need. Currently, the group enables an innovative pilot study in treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia at the JGH and plans to hold a lecture series in 2015.
The following video tells the story of Gloria’s Girls’ best.
On March 31st Gloria’s Girls invites you to the Montreal premiere of the New York smash hit Love, Loss and What I Wore by Nora Ephron (presented by Ellen David and Christina Broccolini at the Centaur Theatre). Tickets are available online.
To date, the dedicated women behind Gloria’s Girls have raised over $1,100,000. The group is always looking for new ideas and welcomes new volunteers. If you wish to help on certain projects or join the group please call Mary at 514-340 8222 ext. 3986.
All proceeds from group’s fundraising activities are directed toward increasing awareness, enhancing patient care, and funding research at the Jewish General Hospital.
Ruth Rotem
Ruth joined Gloria’s Girls over eight years ago. She heard about Gloria’s story and was touched by her courage and resourcefulness, even at the peak of her illness. As a designer and marketing communications specialist (www.CommDesign.ca), Ruth wanted to contribute her experience to the group’s efforts toward spreading awareness and raising much needed funds.
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