ABOUT US
The Joan Rotondi Hope & Empowerment Foundation (JRHEF) is a nonprofit organization founded in July 2024 by Mia and Aldo Rotondi, in loving memory of their mother and wife, Joan, who bravely fought against ovarian cancer. The foundation is currently in the process of becoming a registered tax-deductible charity.
Joan, a vibrant and energetic woman with a deep love for music and the arts, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 59. Committed to a lifestyle of natural and organic foods, she was a passionate advocate for environmental health and the dangers of chemical additives. Joan’s story highlights the critical need for increased awareness and research in ovarian cancer.
In loving memory of Joan, who was cherished by her husband Aldo, daughter Mia, and all her family and friends, we devote our time and efforts to The Joan Rotondi Hope & Empowerment Foundation. We honor Joan's legacy by preserving her memory and spirit, and by supporting others as they navigate the challenges of ovarian cancer.
OUR MISSION
At The Joan Rotondi Hope & Empowerment Foundation, we are driven by a profound mission to honor Joan’s enduring legacy by empowering individuals in their courageous battle against cancer. Ovarian cancer, a silent and devastating disease, often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages. Shockingly, 60-70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV, with 15-20% at stage IV, where the prognosis is most challenging due to the spread to distant organs. These stark realities underscore the urgency of our mission to enhance early detection and raise awareness, which can drastically improve survival rates and treatment outcomes.
Our commitment is unwavering, and we are dedicated to:
Access to Second Opinions: We believe that every individual deserves the best possible care. We offer financial assistance for second opinions from esteemed cancer hospitals. These second opinions provide valuable insights from world-renowned cancer clinics such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, which patients can share with their current oncology team to make informed treatment decisions.
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer: We educate the public about innovative and evolving screening methods that have the potential to detect ovarian cancer earlier, as well as the importance of recognizing its early symptoms. Through impactful awareness campaigns, we highlight the continuous advancements in early detection technologies and stress the significance of symptom awareness, ensuring that women’s concerns are taken seriously. Additionally, we provide financial support to make these life-saving tests accessible to more people.
Navigating Clinical Trials with AI: Innovation is at the heart of our mission. Understanding that many hospitals and clinics face challenges in identifying appropriate clinical trials due to limited staffing and resources, our collaboration with a premier medical technology company offers a complimentary online platform utilizing AI. This platform assists patients in finding relevant clinical trials, empowering them to explore and evaluate additional treatment options that may potentially extend their lives.
Supporting Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation: At Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, their ambitious and essential vision is to conquer cancer within our lifetime. As a leading global cancer research institution, Princess Margaret is renowned for groundbreaking scientific discoveries and outstanding patient care. With the unwavering support of our dedicated community, they are revolutionizing the cancer journey, offering genuine hope to patients in Canada and worldwide. The JRHEF would like to be part of this continued support by organizing our own special events to raise money for their Foundation.
Together, we are committed to providing hope, support, and essential resources to those affected by cancer. Join us in our mission to make a tangible difference in the fight against ovarian cancer, one life at a time.