Allison Kilfoy has experienced firsthand the mission of the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative and its powerful networking and support.
She’s ready to lead the Rock Island-based organization into the future.
Ms. Kilfoy, 34, the new executive director of NormaLeah, is a survivor of ovarian and endometrial cancer. She met NormaLeah Founder Jodie Kavensky, who is retiring as executive director, through a mutual friend who also was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Ms. Kilfoy has spent the majority of her career in corporate/business strategy and financial analytics. With her “Wig Party” events, she has raised $50,000 for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center for their gynecologic research team.
After hearing her oncologist, Dr. David Bender, speak at an event about the work his team does, she said “it inspired me to spread awareness and raise funds to support their mission.”
Taking on the position at NormaLeah is a natural fit.
“My personal connection to it, and my passion to want to make it better for those who are diagnosed or have a loved one get diagnosed is the driving factor,” she said. “Between my career background and the fundraising I’ve been doing for Iowa City for the last several years, this combines those pieces I love.”
