In the Spring of 2006, "TEAM JLO" was formed as an Ovarian Cancer fundraising team. Our name was in honor of Janice Lopez "JLO" (see below) who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer.
Originally associated with an amazing organization known as the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation (SROC), we would raise funds year round until our "fundraising season" culminated with the Annual Sandy Sprink 5K.
Eventually members of TEAM JLO realized that we might be able to have greater reach and have an impact on more lives by taking our efforts to the next level. After much deliberation and planning, the Janice Lopez Ovarian Cancer Foundation was founded in November 2011 as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. The life-to-date fundraising between both TEAM JLO and the JLOCF total over $160,000!
Janice Lopez (affectionally known as "JLO) was a wonderful woman. In her youth she worked as a secretary for McGraw Hill publishing before settling down with her husband (Gilbert E. Lopez, Jr.) and starting a family. Together they had three sons (Gilbert C, Charles, and Andrew) and lived happily in Edison, NJ. Her children were her passion and because of this she was a full time stay-at-home mom. Eventually her children married and gave her seven grandchildren (Scott, Meghan, Noah, Elie, Jack, Jonah, and Josephine.) As much as she loved her kids, she loved her grandchildren even more.
After being diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian cancer in December of 2005, she did her absolute best NOT to slow down. She continued traveling each summer to the beach, was always visiting family, and lived her life the way she wanted to. After four years of fighting, Janice finally succumned to the illness on September 6, 2009.
While some would say that she "lived with Ovarian Cancer", I think she would say that "Ovarian Cancer lived with ME". Janice was our mother, wife, sister, daughter, and dear friend. We loved her with all of our hearts, miss her EVERY day, and it is through her inspiration that we fight today.
If you would like to know more about Janice's fight with Ovarian Cancer, you can check out the original TEAM JLO blog that was created shortly after she was diagnosed and maintained through her passing.