Each year approximately 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over half will die of the disease. The cancer has already spread prior to detection. One in 70 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer. This insidious disease is called the “Whisper Killer” because the symptoms are so subtle that the disease usually goes undetected until it is often too late for successful treatment.
Jacquelin T. Liggett - H.O.W. Founder and my dear friend - was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in August 2000 and died in August 2007. Jacquie was an optimist, a spiritual person and a real fighter.
Through Jacquie’s efforts, H.O.W. was established in 2002 as a supporting organization of Palm Health Foundation. Jacquie was determined to turn her story into a crusade to better educate women about ovarian cancer, the symptoms and the tools available for diagnosis and treatment. Because of Jacquie, women today are becoming more informed about this disease and are listening for the whisper.
On behalf of our Board, thank you for your interest in H.O.W. and for taking the time to learn more about ovarian cancer. We wish you good health.
Betsy K. Matthews, Board Chair 2002-2012
H.O.W.'s Mission
H.O.W. supports the Jacquie Liggett Research Fellowship by funding basic or translational research in ovarian cancer.
H.O.W. helps women with ovarian cancer in financial need through the Jacquie Liggett Angel Fund.
H.O.W. presents educational programs concerning the recent advances being made in ovarian cancer.
H.O.W. supports the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award by funding medical students interested in gynecologic oncology who will have as a preceptor a Gynecologic Oncologist during their elective time in medical school
H.O.W. raises money to support basic or translational research in ovarian cancer through the Jacquie Liggett Research Fellowship. Women with ovarian cancer experiencing financial need are helped through the Jacquie Liggett Angel Fund. H.O.W. is dedicated to promoting awareness and recent advances in ovarian cancer by presenting educational programs to women primarily in our area. H.O.W. also provides support to medical students interested in gynecologic oncology by working with a gynecologic oncologist during their elective time in medical school through the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award.