GYNCA

What an incredible piece of news to receive on this beautiful Friday afternoon!

We are thrilled to announce that the Springfield Business Journal has selected GYNCA as one of the nine area nonprofits to be honored in the 2024 Nonprofit Excellence Awards! This recognition is truly humbling and serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the women and families we serve. YOU are the heart of our mission and the reason we strive for excellence every day. Your strength and resilience inspire us and give our work profound meaning and purpose.

Learn more: https://sbj.net/stories/sbj-selects-first-class-of-nonprofit-award-winners,96050

We're getting ready to start another great support group meeting! Thank you to our supporters who make it possible for us to provide a meal for our survivors at every meeting!

Wow, just wow! 🌟 Our survivors and supporters have blown us away with their response to the new shirts. Since last Wednesday, 51 of them have already been claimed! 🙌

A huge THANK YOU to everyone proudly sharing GYNCA with the world! By simply wearing a shirt, you're doing so much:
💙 Helping gynecologic cancer patients find our resources
💙 Demonstrating hope, encouragement and support for the survivors we assist
💙 Empowering women to learn more about their gynecologic health
💙 Inspiring community members to donate and make a difference

You all rock! Keep spreading the love and awareness. Together, we can make a real impact. 💪

Thank you, Representative Stinnett, for paying a visit and sharing about us!

We are so grateful to local business, Fresh Gallery, and the wonderful artists and supporters who made the event in May a success! Despite the absolutely horrendous pouring rain that evening, so many attendees showed up to celebrate together - what a motivating thing to see! We cannot wait to do it all again next year!

Join us in celebrating 15 years of art and community! 🎉 We hosted an invitation only event to honor GYNCA last May and donated a portion of every sale during our Silent Auction to help them continue their good work in our community. We thank everyone who took part in this event and hope that everyone will do it again with us next year. Fresh Gallery Coordinator and Artist Deana Markus presents the check to Liz Thrasher . Let's make a difference together! 🌟

🎉🚨New GYNCA Merch Just Dropped! 🚨🎉

Check out our NEW super comfy, super soft new tees, just $12 each! Available in light gray and sizes Small - 4X.

👉 Order yours now at gynca.org/shop! 🛒👕

✨ Special Offer for GYNCA Cancer Patients✨:
Get a FREE "In My Cancer Warrior Era" shirt! Just email [email protected] to claim. (Additional shirts available for purchase)

🚨 Drumroll, please! 🚨 Who's ready to upgrade their wardrobe with a brand-new GYNCA shirt? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ We know you’ve been waiting, and trust us, we're anxious to share it! 😎

Stay tuned for the big reveal – it’s coming soon! (Hint: these shirts really throw a knockout punch to cancer)

As our nation pauses to celebrate July 4, we are sending each of you our warmest wishes for a memorable holiday.

Whether you are planning to enjoy a barbecue, marvel at the fireworks, or spend quality time with loved ones, we hope your day is full of fun, rest, and reflection.

Please note that our office will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. We will be back on July 8th and will respond to any communications received over the holiday as soon as possible!

Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe!

Who's planning to light up the sky with fireworks tomorrow night? 🌟✨ We'd love to hear about your plans! Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, watching the neighbors spend a year's salary on pyrotechnics 🤣, or just chilling with friends and family, share your celebration vibes with us! 🎇🍔🎉

Drop your plans in the comments below and let's get excited together! 🚀👇

Parents, school's out but it's time to get those back-to-school physicals and vaccinations scheduled. If your child is 9 years or older, plan to ask their pediatrician about the HPV vaccine. It is important that both boys and girls are vaccinated to prevent HPV infection, which leads to an elevated risk for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, a**l, pe**le and throat cancers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du1dnKppn-s&list=PLJdwJGI4COlGbJq1239gP6rU773KRe7VS&index=17

🚗✨ Who else loves car shows as much as we do? Drop a ❤️ if you're a fan and tell us your favorite car in the comments! 🏎️💨

AND don't forget to mark your calendar for September 14th for GYNCA's Cruisin' 4 Cancer Car Show! More details >>>>> https://www.gynca.org/cruisin-4-cancer-car-show-september-2024

Uterine Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, and we have shared a lot of great stories and valuable information with you all month long, but we have 2 more stories to share. Jamie and Angela remind us why it is so important to keep pushing for answers, especially at the ages where perimenopause comes into question. If you feel like you need to have peace of mind, ask for more testing. If insurance denies it, ask your doctor to help you appeal it. It could be worth it in the end!

Read Jamie's story: https://www.gynca.org/jamie-s-story
Read Angela's story: https://www.gynca.org/angela-s-story

Today, we are honored to share Carla's story, a courageous journey that confronts the good, the bad, and the ugly of gynecologic cancer head-on. Often, there is a social discomfort around discussing this critical topic, and we are deeply grateful to the uterine cancer survivors like Carla who have entrusted us with sharing their experiences this month. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of advocating for yourself and sharing your story. Read Carla's story here: https://www.gynca.org/carla-s-story

GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) With gynecologic cancer, the “good” often comes with “the bad and the ugly” parts that we don’t hear about as much. Carla is one example of a survivor who has overcome social discomforts and opened up to discussing the highs and lows of battling uterine cancer.Carla’s story started with ...

🔸Discover Wendy's Inspiring Journey 🔸

We invite you to read Wendy's story and learn how support made all the difference in her battle with uterine and ovarian cancer. Wendy also brings attention to the crucial importance of understanding what normal reproductive health looks like, so we can recognize when something is amiss.

Her experience is a poignant reminder of the strength found in community and the vital need for awareness. Don't miss out on this enlightening and empowering read: https://www.gynca.org/wendy-s-story

GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) My cancers were accidentally discovered. I had a vein stent in my left leg and they gave me a drug that was supposed to prevent blood clotting. It gave me such heavy bleeding that I had to change overnight pads every hour. I quit taking it and the bleeding stopped. I was mentioning it to my wound ca...

"I hear all the time that women didn't realize they still needed a gynecologic exam at a certain age." - Dr. Kristy McCall

GYNCA interviewed Dr. Kristy McCall, OBGYN at CoxHealth, to get her take on uterine cancer and we unpacked some very important things that gynecologists want you to know about coming in for exams.
Check out the interview here: https://www.gynca.org/a-chat-with-dr-kristy-mccall

Today we want to share a message from Dr. Marcia Hernandez, Gynecologic Oncologist with Mercy Clinic Women's Oncology. Dr. Hernandez is an avid supporter of GYNCA, and in her article she details for us the latest and most important updates about Uterine Cancer, and what the medical and scientific community have been doing to combat the rise in incidence.
Head on over to our website to learn more: https://www.gynca.org/a-word-from-dr-marcia-hernandez

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, which honors the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

This day serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community, while providing an opportunity for all Americans to consider how we can make our society more just and equitable.

With that said, we invite you to join us in celebrating and commemorating this important day. And please note our office will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

Should you have any questions or needs during this time, feel free to email us ([email protected]) or call us (417-869-2220) as phones will be operational.

⬇️Lower Your Risk of Uterine Cancer ⬇️

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of uterine cancer. Here are some key tips:

1. **Maintain a Healthy Weight**: Obesity increases the risk, so aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise.
2. **Stay Active**: Regular physical activity helps regulate hormones and maintain a healthy weight.
3. **Monitor Hormone Therapy**: If you're undergoing hormone therapy, consult your doctor about the safest options.
4. **Regular Screenings**: Keep up with regular gynecological exams and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Understanding your family health history can be crucial in assessing your risk for uterine cancer. Speak with your doctor to determine if your family history suggests the need to test for Lynch syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or other genetic mutations that might make you more likely to develop uterine cancer. Stay informed and proactive about your health.

Today, we send our warmest wishes to each of you, as we collectively pause to honor the father figures who have offered us guidance, wisdom, courage, and love.

Whether you're celebrating surrounded by loved ones or cherishing memories of times past, we hope your weekend is filled with joy and gratitude.

From all of us, Happy Father’s Day.

Watch to learn about the most common risk factors for uterine cancer, then share with your friends and family!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ9HqQ7wmf0

4 Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer For more information about uterine cancer, please visit https://cle.clinic/3O8Vc8UUterine cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the uterus. There are two t...

Happy Flag Day!

In honor of this day, we’re sharing three fun facts about those familiar stars and stripes:

⭐ The current flag was created in 1958 by Robert G. Heft, an Ohio high school student who submitted his design as part of a class project. (He got a B-.) It was eventually chosen by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

⭐ The "Old Glory" nickname for the U.S. flag originated from a sea captain named William Driver, who flew an American flag on his ship that he affectionately referred to as "Old Glory."

⭐ The flag that flew over Fort McHenry at the Battle of Baltimore (inspiring the poem that would become the national anthem), was 30ft x 40ft and ordered to be made by Mary Pickersgill in just 6-8 weeks! For perspective, 40ft is the length of a school bus... 😲🚍

Have any other interesting flag facts to share? Drop them in the comments — we’d love to hear!

🌟 Meet Beverly, a true warrior and one of GYNCA's uterine cancer survivors! 🌟

Read her story here: https://www.gynca.org/beverly-s-story

Reminder: any vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal. There are a handful of possible causes (all requiring a doctor's care), but in Beverly's case the bleeding was caused by stage 3 uterine cancer. Early detection can save lives! Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any abnormal bleeding or discharge, especially after menopause.

Thank you for sharing your story, Beverly! 💪❤️

GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) I had random spotting after menopause, and I just excused it as I had started running some 5ks and I had shaken my insides up.I waited until my annual pelvic exam and told my gynecologist. She immediately told me that was not normal, and she did a biopsy. The doctor immediately said it did not look....

🌸 Meet Anngie, one of GYNCA's incredible uterine cancer survivors! 🌸

Anngie's journey is a testament to being persistent when you know something is not right in your body.
Advocating for ourselves is a skill that has to be learned and practiced, but it helps medical professionals to better understand our situation and expectations and it may even save your life. Read her story here: https://www.gynca.org/anngie-s-story

Let's celebrate Anngie and all the brave warriors out there! 💪💖

GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) Women, know your bodies and advocate for your health. Document when you can and speak up to your medical professionals when something unusual happens, especially if it lasts more than 2 weeks.I was having heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, discharge (from egg white texture to watery discharge...

💠Understanding Uterine Cancer Symptoms 💠

Early detection is crucial. Be aware of these common and late-stage symptoms of uterine cancer!
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Your health matters.

🩺 Understanding What Uterine Cancer Is 🩺

Uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer) originates in the lining of the uterus which is the organ inside the lower abdomen that grows a baby during pregnancy and sheds its lining each month in a "period" or menstruation. It is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Early detection through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms like abnormal bleeding can significantly improve outcomes. Stay informed and prioritize your health!

Did you know that not all women are aware of what uterine cancer is, let alone its symptoms? This lack of knowledge can be life-threatening to all women. However, the concern does not stop there. Although post-menopausal women are still the most likely to develop uterine cancer, more and more younger women are beginning to develop it and black women are facing alarmingly high mortality rates from it. Research continues to try to understand all of the reasons why these trends are occurring.

Watch and listen to Dr. Kemi Doll of UW Medicine, as she shares some facts, her concerns, and her hopes for the future of uterine cancer awareness and research.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MalYxhuIH5c