Nonprofit of the Year | Small: GYN Cancers Alliance

After 25 years in operation and with over 360 women served across southwest Missouri, GYN Cancers Alliance continues to provide resources for those receiving treatment for gynecological cancers.

Member Services Director Ryanne Prugger – one of just two GYNCA employees – calls them “below-the-belt cancers.” GYNCA, founded in 2000 by Joy Lamberson-Klock, provides wig fittings, transportation funds and resources to raise awareness about a subject Prugger says can be tough to even bring up.

“GYN cancer – nobody really wants to talk about it,” Prugger says. “No one wants to bring it up. This is a safe place to talk about it and not feel like people are going to judge you or look at you differently.”

Within the past year, the nonprofit has seen a 25% increase in members – from 289 in June 2024 to 363 in June 2025. Prugger said a heightened demand for support services seen last year led the GYNCA board to increase this year’s budget by 25% to $445,580.

The nonprofit, led by Executive Director Jan Atteberry Robbins, hosts multiple fundraising events, such as the Spring Luncheon & Survivor Fashion Show and the Teal to Heal event in the fall. Other events and fundraisers are held during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September. GYNCA also leads Circle of Joy, an annual giving campaign named after Lamberson-Klock, and holds monthly events for its members, who have created support groups and community through their shared experiences.

Prugger said seeing women support each other motivates her to do this work.

“I love seeing them happy, and I love seeing them smile,” Prugger says. “And if that can take one minute or five, 10, 30 minutes off, of not thinking about the pain and the bad, I did my job.” 

As the need for services grows, Prugger says the nonprofit – which counts roughly 30 volunteers – will continue to help women all over the community who seek its resources. It serves 30 counties in southwest Missouri.

Being able to help with all gynecologic cancers has made the nonprofit a vital resource, Prugger says.

“We just want people to know we’re out there to help,” Prugger says. “As I tell the ladies in their wig fittings, this is just one little hiccup in their journey. It’s not a fun situation. It’s sad. But it’s not the end.”