In honor of ovarian cancer awareness month, the Foundation hosted an event on Monday, September 17, 2001 at the State House in Boston, Massachusetts to launch a state-wide public awareness campaign. Speakers at the event included Governor. Jane Swift; Massachusetts Speaker of the House, Thomas Finneran; Massachusetts State Senator, Joan Menard; Foundation President, Jane Welch; Bill Shea, whose wife fell victim to ovarian cancer; and Martha Byington, who is an ovarian cancer survivor.

	(l-r) Ovarian cancer survivor Martha Byington; Governor Jane Swift, Foundation President Jane Welch, and speaking program participant Bill Shea, gather after the unveiling of the Foundation's public service campaign.

Governor Swift presented Welch with a proclamation officially declaring September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, in the state of Massachusetts and said, "Like all diseases, ovarian cancer is both physically and emotionally devastating. There are not very many places to turn to for information or support. The Foundation…is changing that."

The event was attended by numerous state legislators and ovarian cancer supporters, and was the site for the unveiling of the Foundation’s two 30-second television public service announcements.

"Our memories of Pat generate smiles even in the midst of our nation’s somber mood," said Speaker Finneran.