Leslie Hoelzel Founders Campaign
You are invited to become a Founding member of this special giving campaign honoring Leslie's commitment to Health, Empowerment, and Awareness of gynecological cancers. A strong and empowered woman battling ovarian cancer named Leslie Hoelzel helped develop The GCAP and was a founding board member. Unfortunately, Leslie lost her battle with this disease in 2013. As a nurse who has cared for many gynecological cancer patients, I know what a difference between early diagnosis and awareness of symptoms can have in this fight. I am committed to Leslie and the success of The GCAP. With your help, we can continue to fund awareness and support activities related to gynecological cancer. Today I am asking you to join me by donating to the Leslie Hoelzel Founders Campaign. Show your commitment to Leslie and the many women affected by gynecological cancer by donating a gift of $1,000 or more. Leslie helped create The GCAP for you, for me, and all women. She encouraged women to take control of their health, and The GCAP continues her legacy. Past contributions to The GCAP have made a difference in many lives affected by this challenging set of diseases. Thank you for helping The GCAP make great strides in our collective fight against gynecological cancer.
Amy Gundelach, RN, MSN, AG-CNS-BC, OCN
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Message from Survivors
Teresa Gomez
"In May 2013, I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and joined women, young, mature and elderly, whose worlds have been shaken and realities altered. That was one of the most difficult times in my life. My family and I were devastated with the news, especially since the cancer was found at such a late stage.
I was forced into a world full of surgery, pain, uncertainty and fear. Eventually I would begin my chemotherapy treatment. It was during this period in my life that I was fortunately introduced to the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project (GCAP). I was blessed to benefit from the services that GCAP provides. Most importantly, I was able to meet and talk with other women who were going through the same journey. I made a promise I would volunteer for GCAP as soon as I was well enough to do so.
As promised, I have been volunteering with GCAP since 2014, including serving for 5 years as GCAP’s Board Chair. The GCAP gave me the opportunity to help other women and their families, just like GCAP helped me. Unfortunately for me, the ovarian cancer returned in 2019. This time, though, I was equipped with knowledge, a strong network, and resources because of my involvement with GCAP."
"While in treatment, the friendship of women who understood my journey was of immense help to me. We shared notes, tears, laughter, and bad jokes and funny ones. Women with cancer are an immediate sisterhood while every case is unique and demanding. We appeal to you to join us as a Founding Donor. The GCAP has several successful annual events to fund services; however, we still need generous philanthropists to expand outreach to help NM women with cancer and help other women prevent cancer or recognize symptoms early. The earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the survival rate with quality of life. The GCAP provides essential information, social and emotional support, direct aid to those who need it (often seniors) and caring. It is essential work!"
Leslie Hoelzel (1955-2013)