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From an early age, Connie Hom had a unique perspective on the importance of cancer research. Her mother was a technician in a leukemia research lab and was vocal about her conviction that her work’s meaning was rooted in its potential to extend someone’s time with a loved one. Years later, Connie, owner of Buckingham Greenery, an interior landscaping company, experienced exactly that in a very personal way. A dear friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and participating in clinical trials extended her life by 12 years.

That friend was Dianne Harris Wright, a longtime Massey Advisory Board member and donor. It was Wright who first introduced Connie to the cancer center through an invitation to an educational presentation. The opportunity for such intimate exposure to the research happening locally piqued Hom’s interest, and she became a frequent guest of Wright’s to other Massey educational and fundraising events. “Meeting the physicians and researchers definitely got me hooked,” said Hom. “Their enthusiasm and passion were palpable, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the impact they are having right here in our own community.”

Wright passed away in 2013. Five years later, when Hom was asked to join the planning committee for Massey’s high-visibility Women and Wellness events, she knew it was a way to give back that would honor the legacies of both her friend and her mother.

Women and Wellness has been empowering women in the community to raise funds and awareness for cancer research for nearly three decades. Anchored by its traditional February luncheon event at The Jefferson Hotel, Women and Wellness events now include community-hosted events throughout the year that are designed to give supporters an opportunity to build awareness and raise funds within their own personal network. In total, Women and Wellness has generated more than $5 million in support of cancer research at Massey.

In 2019, Hom chaired the milestone 25th anniversary Women and Wellness luncheon event. Her experience leading and growing a business complimented by deep community connections from decades of networking, volunteering and building relationships made her a timely leader at a pivotal point for the beloved event. Hom established an ambitious goal of raising a record $500,000, while also introducing new goals of expanding the educational components and the event’s overall reach.

“I had the chance to witness the synergy among the doctors at Massey,” said Hom. “They love working together and they are all trying to make the lives of cancer patients better. That same passion exists within the Women and Wellness committee, and it’s exactly what I wanted to foster as chair.”

Hom raised $480,000 toward that goal; however, the unexpected challenge created by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Hom to extend her leadership for two more years. “The pandemic brought life to a halt in many ways. But cancer doesn’t wait, so we had to pivot to do our part to ensure funds kept coming in,” said Hom.

Amid the disruption of the pandemic, Hom also saw opportunity. She collaborated with Massey’s leadership to connect Women and Wellness to Massey’s Clinical Trials Initiative, a focused effort on raising awareness and directing funds to high-priority trials. She worked to shift the event’s formula and bring a new look and approach to engaging the community. The traditional events were adapted to a virtual format and augmented with small, peer-hosted “friendraising” gatherings with an emphasis on personal storytelling.

“There is a different form of engagement that happens in small groups,” she said. “You get a more intimate understanding of how challenging cancer is. I’ve been very fortunate not to have had cancer myself, but I’ve seen it through people I love. And it changes their lives, even when treatment is successful.”

Hom also fostered community-driven fundraisers to benefit the Women and Wellness fund.

One such fundraiser is the “Play It Forward” tennis tournament hosted by Tara Daudani. Daudani became involved with Women and Wellness in 2019 as a recent survivor of triple negative breast cancer.

“I have loved not only being a part of the tradition of Women and Wellness, but also finding a way to use my own interests and network to engage others in the mission,” said Daudani. To date, the tournament has raised more than $32,000 to support the Women and Wellness fund.

Leaders at Massey agree. Events like Women and Wellness that directly fund clinical trials and foster awareness leading to critical philanthropic investment make a big difference.

“We could not have achieved comprehensive cancer center status without the work of our volunteer leaders and community fundraisers,” said Kandace McGuire, M.D., chief of breast surgery at Massey. “For example, philanthropy allows us to support pilot projects, which are how innovative ideas gain traction and external funding. That work is what brings us closer to a cure for cancer.”

Hom’s three-year impact is undeniable. Under her leadership, Women and Wellness events raised nearly $850,000 and, in 2023, 63% of attendees were new supporters. Perhaps most importantly, she has inspired those around her. Daudani, who served as Hom’s co-chair in 2023, will take the leadership reins in 2024, alongside co-chair Jill Thalheimer Campbell.

Jill Campbell and Tara Daudani

“Connie leaves huge footsteps to follow in,” said Daudani. “She is an amazing leader who empowers and lifts up those around her. She leads by example, and I learned so much from her.”

Hom says she will remain involved and is eager to continue encouraging a next generation of leaders to make their mark on the Women and Wellness legacy, starting with the co-chairs of Women and Wellness 2024.

“Tara and Jill are both dynamic leaders motivated by their personal experiences and their children,” she said. “I can’t think of stronger forces to advance the Women and Wellness mission.”

That mission, she acknowledges, is far from accomplished.

“[Massey’s director] Dr. Winn says ‘one team, one fight.’ It’s a rallying call for doctors, patients and the community. Women and Wellness has contributed to the team and the fight for 29 years, but there is so much more to be done.”

Written by: Julie Dillon