About KOH

The mission of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation is to raise funds for ovarian cancer research and increase awareness of the symptoms of this disease.

Putting our Mission Statement to Work

While we try to increase awareness about ovarian cancer every day, we collectively focus our efforts during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month each September. During our walks, we educate women about the disease, its symptoms and treatment options while raising money for cancer research. The funds we raise during these events are awarded to researchers using innovative ideas and technology to find an early detection test and a cure for ovarian cancer.

A History of Passionate Activism

1997- 1999

Gail MacNeil, Lois Myers and Patty Stewart (See Founders’ Page) are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and began their treatments. All three were amazed at the lack of available information and general knowledge regarding ovarian cancer. A group of ovarian cancer patients began meeting in 1998 and 1999, including Nurse Practitioner Virginia Macko, Anne Casale, Mary Kay Mann and Mark Zenobia from On Your Mark Productions, who began organizing KOH’s walks.

May 2000

The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation was born. Gail, Lois and Patty attended an ovarian cancer fundraising meeting at Atlantic Health System’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in Morristown, NJ. They decided to create a foundation that would serve as a vehicle for ovarian cancer research and awareness.

September 2000

The new foundation hosted its first fundraiser, a hugely successful walk, which drew 150 walkers and raised $25,000. It became the most successful first-time fundraiser ever held in Morris County.

And so it began…