Bonnie Gurwicz, an advocate in the fight against ovarian cancer, died on Saturday, but the Women's Cancer Coalition at Southampton Hospital has vowed to continue her mission.
According to the coalition, Gurwicz was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. After surgery and chemotherapy, she found CWC and took advantage of its free counseling and wellness programs, the nonprofit said.
Gurwicz joined the coalition's board and led the “Teal Reveal: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Campaign,” which aims to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and the coalition's services. The campaign just kicked off on May 16, when a panel was scheduled with Gurwicz, Dr. Michael Pearl and Dr. Geri Schmitt. Gurwicz's health changed and she was unable to attend, according to the coalition. She was introduced to Lucia's Room, a hospital patient room supported by the coalition designed to provide comfort to cancer patients and their families.
Dr. Pearl had observed in the lecture that most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at stage four. “There aren't many survivors to organize a support network,” he said. “This community is fortunate to have CWC in place.”
“We're not stopping now,” said coalition president Susie Barry Roden. “Bonnie wants us to continue the mission and we are more determined than ever to do so and honor her in the process.”
Prior to her diagnosis in 2011, Gurwicz began producing and hosting a show on LTV in Wainscott. Called “Metamorphosis,” the show featured interviews with people who changed their lives, according to Gurwicz's LinkedIn page.
“They share when they knew it was time for a change and what steps they took to make it happen,” her LinkedIn profile said. “The show serves as inspiration and motivation to find your passion and incorporate that passion into your life.”
She was a business and life coach and formerly hosted “Coach World TV” on Manhattan Public Television.
