The Juno Foundation of Orlando is dedicated to lesbians with cancer, their partners and caregivers. The purpose of the foundation is to improve the health and well being of cancer patients through grants that are awarded by the Juno Foundation; to raise awareness and promote advocacy; and, to provide valuable resources and informational support on the many emotional and practical issues that arise from a cancer diagnosis.

The co-founders of the Juno Foundation of Orlando are Pati Williams and Genie Wood. Both founders have close friends or family members who have or are surviving cancer. It is through those personal experiences that they have created Juno's unique support model– a foundation that strives to honor survivors by helping other lesbians who may not have the support they need to battle their illness.

An individual does not get cancer, a family does. So, when you donate or support the Juno Foundation, you provide renewed hope for all our sisters living with cancer. Juno believes we can share of ourselves, come together and make a difference.

Mission

The Juno Foundation of Orlando is focused on providing help, hope and peer-led support to gay women with cancer, their families and friends.

Please visit our Giving section to see how you can support the Juno Foundation.

Milestones In The History of Juno

J6– February 2008. Our 6th Annual Juno Gala moved to the Hilton in Altamonte Springs, was our most elegant and critically acclaimed gala yet. Juno awarded its Zena Award to Nadine Smith, ED of Equality Florida. Entertainment by Evelyn Champagne King and live auction were enthusiastically supported by a veritable Who’s Who of Central Florida’s gay community.

Juno Scramble & Harvest - Sept/Oct  2007.  Juno hosts its 1st Annual Juno Golf Scramble, attended by over 90 golfers at Deer Run Country Club. The October Juno Harvest, was held in the fabulous Winter Park home of hosts Keith & Gary Symonds-Geniau. Juno was awarded a 2007 Spectrum Award by GLBCC and also appeared on GayTalk Radio.


J5– February 2007. The 5th Annual Juno Gala held again at Embassy Suites was our most successful gala to date. The new all VIP event sold out and Juno awarded its first Zena Award posthumously to Sue Hannah. Two grant recipients spoke at the gala. Entertainment by Blue, MC BJ Stevens and the live auction were the evening’s highlights. Juno gains the support of national organizations, NCLR and HRC.  

J4 – February 2006. The 4th Annual Juno Gala held at Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando was host to nearly 300 guests and ten corporate tables. First grant recipient spoke at the event. The live and silent auction is the evening’s highlight.  

Juno Harvest – November 2005. An intimate night of jazz, by invitation only, held at Club Swank encouraged male friends of Juno to support the cause. 

3rd Annual Juno Gala – February 2005. The Women’s Center of Winter Park was again the location for the 3rd gala. Over 225 guests that included eight corporate table sponsors attended the event and participated in Juno’s first silent and live auction. Next year’s gala will require a larger venue.

May 2005 – Juno seats Board.   

2nd Annual Juno Gala – February 2004. Juno’s first gala with ticket sales. 2nd gala was a huge step in positioning the foundation within the gay community. About 185 guests supported the catered event with live DJ held at The Women’s Center of Winter Park.

February 2003. First grassroots meeting. One hundred women gather to hear the concept of Juno and pledge to give their support.