2027 Time is of the Essence Lecture & Luncheon

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Time Is of The Essence Lecture & Luncheon - honoring a legacy of hope, advocacy and impact in the fight against ovarian cancer.

For 25 years, this event has brought together a passionate community dedicated to advancing ovarian cancer research, education, patient support and prevention. This milestone anniversary celebrates the countless individuals, families, volunteers, and supporters who have helped further H.O.W.'s mission and create lasting change for women across Florida and beyond.

The 2027 luncheon will feature a special conversation with acclaimed actress Carrie Coon and renowned gynecologic oncologist Dr. Karen Lu, bringing together powerful perspectives on storytelling, resilience, women's health, and the importance of continued progress in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Carrie Coon

An Emmy-, Tony-, and Critics Choice Award-nominated actress, Carrie Coon has built an acclaimed career across film, television, and theater. Born and raised in Ohio, she earned her B.A. from the University of Mount Union and an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before beginning her celebrated journey on stage and screen.

Carrie first gained widespread recognition for her performance in Gone Girl and has since become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents. Her television work includes standout roles in Fargo, The Leftovers, The Sinner, and HBO's The Gilded Age, where her portrayal of Bertha Russel earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination and a Critics Choice Award nomination. Most recently, she captivated audiences in season three of The White Lotus, earning her third Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

A longtime member of Chicago's renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Carrie has received two Tony Award nominations and numerous honors for her work on stage, including acclaimed performances in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, BUG, and Mary Jane. Her dedication to both theater and film has established her as one of the industry's most versatile and respected performers.

Carrie resides in New York with her husband and creative collaborator, Tracy Letts, and continues to bring compelling stories and unforgettable characters to audiences around the world.

Dr. Karen Lu

Dr. Karen Lu is Executive Vice President and Physician-in-Chief at Moffitt Cancer Center and a nationally recognized leader in gynecologic oncology and cancer genetics. Her clinical and research work focuses on the treatment and prevention of ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as the care of women at increased genetic risk for these diseases.

With more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, Dr. Lu previously served as Chair of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and co-director of the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program and MD Anderson Cancer Center. She earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine, and a master's degree in healthcare management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

A respected physician-scientist, Dr. Lu has published groundbreaking research on hereditary gynecologic cancers and serves as a leader within the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Through her work in research, patient care, and advocacy, she continues to advance innovation and improve outcomes for women facing gynecologic cancers.

About H.O.W.

Founded by the late Jacquie Liggett, H.O.W. - Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper - advances the fight against ovarian cancer by driving innovation, expanding access to care, and empowering women through education. Through strategic investments in research, patient assistance, medical scholarships, public awareness initiatives, and genetic screening programs, H.O.W. is creating a lasting impact for women and families across Florida and beyond.

For more information - please contact

Jennifer McGrath, Executive Director at

jennifer@howflorida.org or

(561) 262-6343

2027 Chairwomen