Mission led.
Heart driven.
The mission of the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance (CGCA), is to promote awareness and early detection of gynecologic cancers through advocacy and education while providing support to people In Colorado affected by gynecologic cancer.
We work to:
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increase awareness of symptoms and risk factors of gynecologic cancer in the general population in Colorado;
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create and promote statewide resources that provide support, encourage networking, and provide information to people diagnosed with gynecologic cancer;
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unite and educate individuals, the medical community, and organizations to overcome gynecologic cancer throughout Colorado;
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advance gynecologic cancer research toward better treatment, diagnosis and an eventual cure for the disease.
CGCA was established in June 2005 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (originally named Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance).
Our Board of Directors includes community leaders as well as gynecologic cancer survivors, friends, and family of survivors or those who have lost their battles with this disease.
History of the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance
The Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance (CGCA) was created in 2005 (originally as the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance) when an independent ovarian cancer support group, comprised of several determined survivors and the group’s facilitator decided to form a non-profit organization. The goal was to increase support to those with ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the disease in the larger population.
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A significant memorial donation was received from Jim Griesemer and the family of his wife Nicki Stoner to ensure that the support group, that had helped Nicki during her cancer battle, could continue its services. The support group was named Nicki’s Circle in her honor. The original facilitator, Susan Hess, became the group’s leader and one of the "founding mothers" of the organization.
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Nicki’s Circle has expanded to aid women with all gynecologic cancers in every corner of Colorado through online and in-person groups that provide not just emotional support, but vital information, making the cancer journey more manageable.
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Recognizing the vital need for emotional support whether survivors are newly diagnosed or have been in the battle for years, CGCA developed an individual counseling program. Sessions are available for survivors and their care partners and are free of charge.
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While emotional support is central to CGCA’s mission, we recognize that a gynecologic cancer diagnosis very often causes financial hardship and distress.
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Our Financial Assistance program was introduced in 2012 and provides ovarian, Fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer survivors with funding help to meet urgent cash needs.
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While cash assistance is helpful, we know that cancer treatments can be expensive and worrying about finances can get in the way of survivors regaining their health. In 2017, we launched our Carol’s Wish Financial Navigation program to help those diagnosed with all gynecologic cancers, regardless of income, insurance coverage, or citizenship status. Named after Carol Dauer who lost her battle with ovarian cancer, the program not only assists survivors by helping them navigate insurance coverage, but our representatives also work to optimize insurance coverage, help the survivor find additional monetary grant resources, and provide resource information to help minimize the financial impact of living with gynecologic cancer.
Furthermore:
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CGCA works to create and promote resources that provide support, encourage networking, and provide information to those diagnosed with all gynecologic cancers.
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Our goal is to unite and educate individuals, the medical community, and organizations to overcome gynecologic cancers.
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Our efforts also increase awareness of symptoms and risk factors of gynecologic cancer in the general population.
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And we strive to help advance gynecologic cancer research toward a better treatment, diagnosis, and eventual cure for the disease.