About The Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life

The Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life was formed in 2001 in memory of Elizabeth Gillespie to continue her commitment to early detection, proper diagnosis, and treatment of uterine cancer. Before she succumbed to the disease in 2000, she asked her family and friends to establish a forum for educating women and their healthcare professionals, in the hope of preventing others’ loss of a beloved mother, sister, daughter, or friend.

Uterine cancer and endometrial cancer, if diagnosed early, have a very high survival rate. The key to survival is knowing what to watch out for, talking to a knowledgeable healthcare provider, and getting diagnosed early. Elizabeth Gillespie was, unfortunately, led to believe that her symptoms were simply the result of menopause. Do not let her story be your story! Educate yourself and know what to ask your doctor.

The Fund for Life strongly encourages women who feel that they are at risk or who are demonstrating any of the early warning signs to insist on being evaluated quickly and, if diagnosed, begin treatment as early as possible to maximize chances for recovery.

The Fund for Life is administered through the generous help of the Gynecological Cancer Foundation (GCF), a non-profit arm of the Society of Gynecological Oncologists, dedicated to informing women about reproductive cancers and their treatment.

Since its founding, the Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life has accomplished the following:

It is only with your support and assistance that we can continue to educate and inform.  Please consider joining us.

Founders and Advisors to the Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life are:

Please feel free to contact us with questions about the Fund, about volunteering, or to join our community.

The Fund for Life would like to thank the following organizations and individuals, whose caring and commitment have contributed to the efforts of the Elizabeth Gillespie Fund for Life:

One of the most devastating things to happen in any lifetime is to lose a loved one to a terminal illness – as we have lost Elizabeth to uterine cancer.

Elizabeth was a vivacious and dynamic woman – known for her boundless energy, adventurous spirit, and can-do attitude. A savvy marketing entrepreneur, she successfully operated two businesses: The Gillespie Group (management consultants) and Bellissima Tours (a private tour service).

Elizabeth juggled her busy professional life with an equally strong commitment to community service. She served on the boards of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and Episcopal Community Services, and was an active committee member for both the Institute of Management Consultants and St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church (San Francisco).

A lifelong advocate of women’s health and a personal fitness devotee, Elizabeth began having what were diagnosed as menopausal problems in the spring of 1998. After a year with no relief from the remedies prescribed, she was seen by a physician who correctly diagnosed her uterine cancer. Sadly, it was too late. She died August 10, 2000 following two painful surgeries and months of chemotherapy – leaving family and friends wondering:

A wealth of information is available for women and their health practitioners that can facilitate early detection and diagnosis of uterine cancer. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for uterine cancer is 96%. Through education, early detection, and prevention, you can safeguard your health and potentially save your own life…and that of other women who love life.

It is in memory of Elizabeth and her fighting spirit that we seek to give others information to care for the most important gift: life.

Please think of the women whose life you treasure – and pass this Web site and information on to them.

When Elizabeth was dying, she asked her sister Jackie, “Do you think there are flowers in heaven?” “Yes,” said Jackie. “Roses,” replied Elizabeth, "for sure, there will be roses." It is in loving memory of this conversation that we have selected the rose as our symbol of hope, beauty, peace, and health.