The Julie Group

By the time doctors had diagnosed Julie W. Schaffner with advanced stage III ovarian cancer, it had already spread to her lymph nodes. Though she fought fiercely with chemotherapy, clinical trials, and homeopathic remedies, she knew from the beginning that the late-stage diagnosis meant there was little chance of recovery. It’s a frighteningly common story when it comes to ovarian cancer.

The problem is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are so difficult to recognize. Bloating, pelvic discomfort, persistent indigestion, a frequent need to urinate, low back pain; the symptoms are so nonspecific and ubiquitous that they’re easily overlooked.

In the 18 months between her diagnosis and the day she passed away on New Year’s Eve 2010, Schaffner and her husband, Tom, spoke often about creating something positive from their family’s
misfortune.

Shortly after she passed, family, friends, and neighbors came to join Tom’s cause and the Julie W. Schaffner Ovarian Cancer Fund (JWS Fund) was born.

“I thought it would keep me busy and help me focus on doing good things,” Tom says. “But we created something that’s not just keeping us busy; we’re helping people. We get a really good sense of community, we’re doing things locally, and we know who we’re helping.”

For the past five years, the Julie Group, as they call themselves, has organized an annual fundraiser to benefit cancer research and the Cancer Survivorship Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where Julie worked as Chief Operating Officer.

The fundraiser is now called WineHopsScotch, a clever nod to the different types of samples available in the event’s tasting rooms.

This year, attendees will sample French wines, local favorites from the Wilmette Wine Cellar; a variety of local craft beers are the “Hops” alluded to in the title; and in addition to the single malt scotch whiskey available in years past, bourbon will also be on offer.

Another big change is the venue, as the event moves from the Michigan Shores Club to the Evanston Art Center. In addition to the beautiful art already in the galleries, local artists will demonstrate their mediums and processes in several of the rooms.

“You can go around, taste the beverage of your choice, have some food, and watch somebody doing sculpture or pottery at a wheel,” Tom says. “You can ask questions, you can participate a little if you want.”

The artists’ demonstrations will occur alongside other fun activities from years past, including live music; gourmet appetizers, finger foods, and desserts; and a live raffle and silent auction.

Funds raised by the JWS Fund have gone to support the research of Joanna Burdette Ph.D., associate professor and associate dean for research, College of Pharmacy, at the University of Illinois at Chicago. One of the first studies they supported was looking at better ways to approach treatment-resistant tumors to help better battle ovarian cancer. Another of Dr. Burdette’s studies to which the JWS Fund contributed alongside the American Cancer Society looked into the origin of ovarian tumors and whether they might stem from the fallopian tubes.

The JWS Fund’s support of the Cancer Survivorship Center helped to hire a social worker last year, and this year’s contribution is earmarked to hire a nutritionist to advise patients through remission and beyond.

As far as looking toward better methodology for detecting ovarian cancer early, the best method is still examining genetic predisposition through family history. Other potential contributing factors include obesity and prolonged use of fertility drugs or hormone therapies. A majority of ovarian cancers present after menopause.

Some of the most avid participants in the Julie Group are Tom and Julie’s own two daughters. In fact, their 29-year-old daughter, Lindsay Schaffner McNaught, has taken over the role as president of the JWS Fund.

“When we first started this, I thought my kids would have a hard time with it, because it would remind them of their mother,” Tom says. ”But we’re all involved and moving forward. My kids are strong and independent, like their mother.”

For more information or to get tickets to WineHopsScotch on April 28 visit jwsfund.org.