GYN Cancers Alliance executive director dies

Last edited 8:11 a.m., Nov. 13, 2025 [Editor's note: Service information has been clarified.]

Jan Atteberry Robbins, the longtime executive director of GYN Cancers Alliance, has died.

Robbins, 72, died Oct. 22, according to her obituary posted to GormanScharpf.com. Robbins was diagnosed with vulvar cancer in August 2024, after completing treatments for a 2021 diagnosis of breast cancer, said Kim Harris, Robbins' daughter. 

“Chris and I are so proud of what our mom stood for,” Harris said in a joint statement with brother Chris Robbins. “She embodied strength, generosity, kindness and grace. She gave her time, her God-given talents and her love to so many, and we beam with pride at the countless lives she touched. Mom often said, ‘It might not be easy or popular, but it’s the right thing to do’ – and then she would make it happen. She never set out to be an inspiration; she simply woke up each day determined to make a difference.”

Jan Atteberry Robbins led GYN Cancers Alliance for nearly two decades, starting in 2008, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. 

Judy Thompson, board president for GYN Cancers Alliance, said the organization would not be where it is today without Robbins' leadership.

"She worked tirelessly to secure board members, to secure donors, to help with awareness in the community," Thompson said, referring to Robbins as a "catalyst for what has made GYNCA what it is today."

With a $445,580 operating budget, GYN Cancers Alliance has served thousands of women in southwest Missouri in its 25 years in operation. The organization, which was honored this summer as part of SBJ's Nonprofit Excellence Awards, provides resources for those receiving treatment for gynecological cancers. 

Thompson said executive director succession plans would be announced at GYN Cancers Alliance's Teal to Heal fundraiser on Nov. 7 at Hickory Hills Country Club.

Additionally, following the Teal to Heal fundraiser, the nonprofit plans to pursue work on a $250,000 capital campaign, in honor of Robbins, that times with the organization's 25th anniversary.

"The board decided in August to do this in honor of Jan," Thompson said. "I'm very thrilled about that."

Prior to joining GYN Cancers Alliance, Robbins worked as executive assistant to hotelier John Q. Hammons for more than two decades.

"I learned so many valuable administrative skills from Mr. Hammons – networking, collaboration," Robbins told SBJ in January 2009. "It takes a village to get a job like a hotel done, or to grow a nonprofit. I think those skills I learned in the hotel business are the strong foundation for why I really do love this."

Robbins’ obituary indicates a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Brentwood Christian Church.