Hello All!!

In 2026, I am celebrating surviving and now co-existing with three gynecological cancers  --  uterine, ovarian, and cervical  --  and a short bout of breast cancer.   For over thirty-three years, family members and friends, and, for the past ten years, teams of compassionate and extraordinary healthcare, mental health, and social service providers at The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service (KGOS), Johns Hopkins Medicine, have joined me on this journey.

Last year, I attended the 2025 Stride and Thrive 5K Race and Walk sponsored by KGOS.  On that day, I committed to engaging with and supporting the community of gynecologic cancer survivors at Johns Hopkins and the medical professionals and caregivers who care for us.

As the Volunteer Lead of The Survivorship Team for the 2026 Stride and Thrive Race, I am asking you, along with other family members, friends, and colleagues, to help me celebrate gynecologic cancer survivors worldwide and the life-giving research and care provided by KGOS professionals and staff. 

In 2025, the Johns Hopkins Hospital was ranked as No.1 in Newsweek’s The World Best Specialized Hospitals 2025 list and is top ranked in Obstetrics & Gynecology.  As one of several divisions in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the work performed by KGOS impacts research and helps inform patient care practice around the world.

I am asking you to make a small contribution to support KGOS gynecological oncology research and practice care protocols that benefit survivors worldwide.  In addition, your gift will provide 

• fellowship support for KGOS physicians;
• continuing education support for nursing professionals; and
• socio-economic support for survivors, like me, who have unmet, essential needs including medical care and supplies, food, housing, transportation, etc.

Specifically, I am requesting a donation of $25.00 plus the 4% administrative fee each from 100 members of my family, friends and colleagues -- a total contribution of $26.00 per person.  My fundraising goal is $2,500.00 by May 15, 2026.  You can contribute your gift of $26 by clicking the Donate button above. 

Our fundraising team name is Grace’s Journey.  Grace the Giraffe is our fundraising team’s mascot.  When a group of giraffes is running or otherwise moving in concert in their natural habitat, they can be referred to as “a journey.”  This term reflects their nomadic nature and the vast distances they travel in search of food and water.  The image of a “journey of giraffes” evokes the serene and purposeful migration of these gentle giants across the African plains. (www.africa-safaris.com).  In similar fashion, KGOS healthcare, research, and other staff members are on a purposeful journey to find a cure for gynecological cancers and for life-sustaining strategies for me and other survivors until these diseases are eradicated.  

In closing, a gift of $26.00 from you and another 99 family/friends will help ensure that KGOS continues to help me and my fellow gynecologic cancer survivors at Johns Hopkins and worldwide.  

Thanks so much and love each of you dearly!!!

JBR