Woman to Woman

You are not alone. A gynecologic cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty, questions, and a wide range of emotions. At Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program, we believe no one should have to face cancer alone. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with recurrence, or a long-term survivor, we can help. We offer assistance, hope, and a caring community—every step of the way. 

Our mission is simple. We strive to provide gynecologic cancer patients and survivors with emotional, educational, and financial support. We offer resources to help you advocate for yourself. And we make available a community that fosters strength and hope for today and for the journey ahead. 

We are inspired by the ancient Chinese proverb, “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.” Our peer mentoring program is the cornerstone of Woman to Woman. This unique one-to-one connection can provide you with comfort, insight, and understanding from someone who has faced a similar diagnosis and truly understands. We also offer support groups, educational programs, and financial assistance. This network of resources will hopefully give you the tools, information, and community you need.

We welcome people of all races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities, faiths, and cultural backgrounds. Every person matters. Every experience deserves support. 

What We Offer 

Woman to Woman provides a range of services to our members:

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: At the heart of Woman to Woman is our personalized peer-mentoring program. We match people in treatment or follow-up care with trained volunteers who have had gynecologic cancer. These mentors can help you feel less isolated, provide reassurance when you need it, and offer practical guidance. They can answer your questions and share your concerns about treatment, side effects, communicating with your medical team, and coping day to day. You can connect by phone, text, email, or in person. Many women find that the bond with their mentor becomes a source of strength and perspective during treatment and beyond. 

Support Groups and Virtual Programs: We offer a full calendar of online and in-person activities: 

1. Support activities: We have groups for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, newly-diagnosed patients, long-term survivors, the LGBTQIA+ population, and more. 
2. Educational programs: We run sessions on clinical trials, sexual health, nutrition, mindfulness, and other topics. 
3. Community-building programming: We produce two annual in-person reunions, a monthly book club, and a private Facebook group.

These programs can help you connect with others who understand your experiences, learn valuable information, and develop a sense of community and belonging. 

Financial Assistance: A cancer diagnosis can create financial challenges. Depending on available funding and individual need, Woman to Woman may be able to help ease certain expenses. Examples may include transportation to appointments, medical co-pays, groceries, rent or household bills, fertility preservation, wigs and head coverings, or mental health services. Funding is not guaranteed. The oncology social worker will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. 

Our Story 

Woman to Woman started at Mount Sinai in 2003. Ovarian cancer survivor Valerie Goldfein wanted to help people facing gynecologic cancer avoid feeling isolated. She created the program together with her gynecologic oncologist, the Department of Social Work, and the Mount Sinai Auxiliary Board. From the very beginning, Woman to Woman was rooted in compassion, connection, and hope. 

Supporting the Program

Today, Woman to Woman supports thousands at Mount Sinai. And, through a partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, we help many more at hospitals and community sites around the country. Woman to Woman is completely funded by donations. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to supporting gynecologic cancer patients and survivors. 

At Woman to Woman, you are never alone. We are here to support, guide, and empower you, today and always.