On Thursday, March 8, 2001, more than 250 of Patricia Cronin’s friends, family members, and colleagues gathered at the Back Bay Hilton in Boston to launch the M. Patricia Cronin Foundation to Fight Ovarian Cancer. The evening was a great success, raising more than $120,000.

A short speaking program paid tribute to Pat, with remarks celebrating her life and acknowledging the courage with which she fought her four-year battle with cancer. The speaking program included Massachusetts Speaker of the House Thomas M. Finneran; Foundation President, Jane Welch; Rendon Group Senior Partner, Rick Rendon; ovarian cancer survivor, Martha Byington; and Director of Gynecological Medical Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Dr. Stephen Cannistra, who was also Pat’s doctor.

Attendees were also introduced to the M. Patricia Cronin Foundation to Fight Ovarian Cancer Web site homepage, www.patsfriends.com, which was unveiled by A-Type Media Group President and site designer, Angela Rutzick, as well as members of Pat’s family.