
About Us
A Glimmer of Hope Foundation (GOH) is a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer foundation founded by Diana Napper in 1994. It was established to honor the wishes of her best friend, Carol Jo Weiss Friedman, who lost her battle with the disease in 1990. Diana, a wife and mother of four, committed to pursuing her dream of becoming a jewelry designer and using her craft to fund a hospice in Carol Jo’s name. Over time, Diana’s mission evolved into creating a platform to support breast cancer patients and their loved ones, leading to the founding of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. As a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, GOH relies on a dedicated team of 50 volunteers committed to advancing the fight against breast cancer through research, programs, and studies—particularly focusing on premenopausal breast cancer, which is often more aggressive in younger women.
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Through fundraising events and the generous support of individuals, businesses, sports celebrities, and sports organizations, GOH has donated over $7 million for breast cancer projects at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The foundation’s transparency and the localized impact of its programs have garnered tremendous community support, with donors taking pride in knowing their contributions remain in the area.
Our Mission
A Glimmer of Hope Foundation's mission is to improve breast cancer care locally through comprehensive integrated programs and research to advance the pursuit of a cure within our lifetime.
Milestones & Achievements
In 2015, GOH funded the installation of a SenoClaire tomosynthesis machine at the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion of Allegheny Health Network with a $171,000 donation. This groundbreaking machine, the first of its kind in the U.S., helps physicians detect cancer in its earliest stages. GOH also funded the purchase of an Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS), which detects breast cancer in dense breast tissue.
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In 2016, GOH launched the "Home for Hope" at Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion and West Penn Hospital, offering integrative health services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, transportation, and childcare for breast cancer patients.
GOH continues to fund cutting-edge research, including studies on liquid biopsies at Magee-Womens Research Institute and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. This innovative technology monitors breast cancer through a blood draw, enabling real-time tumor assessment and therapy response tracking, setting protocols that are now being adopted nationwide. The foundation also supports research on localized immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer under the leadership of Drs. Albert and Vera Donnenberg.
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In 2020, GOH opened The Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Center at AHN, a dedicated facility for advanced-stage breast cancer care. This was a monumental achievement and a lifelong goal of the foundation.
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Most recently, GOH implemented a screening program at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital to provide breast cancer screenings for women under 40, regardless of insurance status.​
New Initiatives
In an exciting development, GOH is proud to support the launch of a groundbreaking breast cancer vaccine, a significant stride in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. This innovative research aims to revolutionize care and enhance outcomes for patients.
Additionally, GOH has partnered with AHN to embed behavioral health services into the cancer institute. This new program provides comprehensive mental health support for cancer patients and their families, ensuring holistic care during their cancer journey.