Community Support Spotlight

Hope for Heather Community Programs

Hope for Heather was founded in 2009, in memory of Heather Weeks. Heather was a dedicated employee of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and passed away from cancer in 2008.

Heather’s Angel Fund:

A fund at Upstate Cancer Center devoted to helping gynecological cancer patients with their out-of-pocket expenses such as gas, meals, co-pays, etc.

Education and Awareness:

There is no test for ovarian cancer. Hope for Heather’s mission is to create awareness and education in our community through the distribution of symptom and risk cards, symptom diaries, and other literature. The organization tables at events such as the Syracuse Mets, Jazz in the City, The Crunch, Health Fairs. Etc.

Sisters in Strength

SIS is an online support group that meets once a month via Zoom. It is open to all cancer survivors, caregivers, and family members.

Men of Teal

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Each year we recruit 30 men in our community to represent H4H by handing our 100 symptom cards to women in their community circle. We feature a new Man of Teal each day on our FB page during September

Patient support bags/chemo shirts

Newly diagnosed cancer patients receive a “blessing bag” of items to help them get through chemo treatments such as a blanket, puzzle books, hard candy, tea, knit caps, water bottle, journal, etc. We also gift each patient with a custom-made “chemo shirt”, allowing the patient to remain dressed and comfortable during chemo.

Teal Circle of Women

A program of partnership with women in small businesses to carry our educational symptom cards on display in their shop/business.

Hope for Heather is an all-volunteer organization. We hold three major events: The Teal Ribbon Run and Walk (May), our educational booth at the New York State Fair (August), and our Hope and Heels Fashion Show and Brunch (November).