Join us for a luncheon to help raise funds for education and early detection of women's gynecologic cancers. Amanda Bates Goodro will share her journey with Ovarian Cancer and be accompanied by Dr. Elena Ratner, Co-Chief Yale Gynecologic Oncology Smilow Hospital.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 11:30am - 2:00pm
Belle Haven Club, 100 Harbor Drive, Greenwich CT.
September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month — Something I wasn't aware of until I was diagnosed in March of 2023 as having a cancerous ovarian cyst on my right ovary.
Ovarian cancer is one of the 5 gynecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal + vulvar (and more rare is fallopian tube cancer, which is what they thought I had). Of these cancers, the only one that is routinely scanned for is cervical - the annual PAP - for others there are lesser known tests that most of us aren’t given until needed, and often too late.
Except for cervical cancer, there are no specific screening tests available to aid in early diagnosis. These diseases were once considered “silent killers,” but we now know they whisper — presenting with subtle signs and symptoms that often mimic less serious conditions. As a result, many women see four to six doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
I am one of the lucky ones — due to a history of endometriosis my doctor does annual vaginal ultrasounds and so my cancer was discovered very early and I am cancer free post surgery. Often though, by the time ovarian cancer symptoms appear it is much more advanced. Ladies, advocate for yourselves and ask for these tests. Men, support the women in your lives to advocate for themselves.
Every 5 minutes a woman is diagnosed with one of these 5 cancers. FIVE MINUTES. I spend more time brushing my teeth + pouring myself some decaf iced coffee every morning. FIVE MINUTES. That means that in the time I have been writing this post 2 women have been diagnosed with a life altering illness.
While research has made significant strides over the past decade, much work remains. The luncheon will serve two critical purposes: to raise funds that support continued research at Yale School of Medicine, and to expand outreach and education — not just for women and families in our communities, but also for the healthcare providers who care for them. By increasing awareness and knowledge, we can help drive earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for patients everywhere.
Early detection can be lifesaving, yet awareness and funding remain critically under supported.
🩵 Your donation helps change that.
Elena Ratner, MD, MBA, is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Ratner is a Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist with special interests in chemotherapy-targeted drug development, patient quality of life programs, and early cancer detection. She is the Director of Discovery To Cure, director of Discovery to Cure Early Ovarian Cancer Detection program, and a founder and director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause cancer survivorship program.
Her expertise is cytoreductive surgery for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, minimally invasive procedures (advanced laparoscopy and robotics) for patients with gynecologic malignancies or complex benign gynecologic conditions, and robotic fertility sparing surgery for young patients with cancer. Dr. Ratner's laboratory is working on new targeted drugs for ovarian cancer in order to provide patients with truly personalized care. Her work additionally focuses on reversing chemotherapy resistance in ovarian and uterine cancers.
Dr. Ratner is a recipient of multiple clinical and teaching awards, including the 2015 Yale Cancer Center Award for Clinical Excellence.
Donate today and help fund awareness, research, and support for women battling gynecologic cancers.
