EyesOnThePrize.org Pressroom

Launch release

Gynecological Cancer Resource Site Debuts Mother's Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women representing all Gynecological Cancers Unite to Create First of Its Kind Internet Community of Sharing and Support

May 9, 2000 -- Motivated by their experience with gynecological cancer, 10 women from across North America, who met on an Internet support list, have launched a one-stop-shop web resource and community for women affected by reproductive cancers worldwide. Eyesontheprize.org chose Mother's Day to open their virtual doors to reach out to women who find their fertility, sense of womanhood and very lives threatened by cancer and its treatment.

"We saw a need to provide a welcoming place for women to share experiences and gather information. So much of what we suffer is similar in its devastation, regardless of what kind of gynecological cancer it is," says Sue Donley, site manager. Newly diagnosed cancer patients want information, but even more than that, its founders believe, is they want to hear the voices of other women's experiences and that is what makes Eyesontheprize.org unique among other cancer sites. "By uniting survivors of all cancers, we create a stronger community," asserts Donley.

"Women want to hear from others who have run this race before them," Jamie Roumeliotis, list owner, says "that's what we couldn't find on the web or in our home towns." Roumeliotis was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer while early in her pregnancy and shared her experience several months later with a newly diagnosed expectant Mother who was feeling terrified and alone. "I thought -- if I can do this, think of what a group of us could do."

Representing cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulva, vaginal, and gestational cancers, Eyesontheprize.org was named in honor of a fellow cancer sister who lost her life last year. She closed her posts with the expression 'keeping my eyes on the prize' a potent reminder that hope is so important and "all of us are in the race together," says Donley.

Without any formal sponsorship or funding, the founding members created the web site to combine information about types of cancers, their risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, side effects and follow up care. All FAQ's include basic information, but also include several personal experiences, which is unique to this site. All of the 10 contributing members of eyesontheprize.org have provided poignant installments based on their own cancer journey in the "My Story" section.

A comprehensive list of related annotated links are included and have been carefully chosen for accuracy, clarity and quality of information. "We poured over hundreds of web sites on women's cancers, treatments, support and complementary options, to find what we think are some of the best," says Donley. Included are links relating to multicultural issues.

Women visiting eyesontheprize.org are encouraged to join a private, monitored, support mailing list, overseen by Roumeliotis. The list acts as a virtual living community, where discussions are initiated by email messages that are distributed to all list members. Women can feel free to join in the discussion. "This is a community of survivors waiting to support others no matter where they live," states Lola, site member. "For instance, where else could someone with a rare gestational cancer find others to talk with?"

Eyesontheprize.org plans to expand the breadth of information and anecdotal experiences, as well as to initiate advocacy and professional liaisons. The group plans to work with gynecologists and oncologists to let their patients know of this unique support opportunity.

Contact: Cathy Black pr@eyesontheprize.org or 905-547-5684