Here’s a story that will tug at your heartstrings and ignite your sense of community: a group of women in hospitality just raised $12,000 for ovarian cancer research while celebrating the power of unity and resilience. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring—this wasn’t just any fundraiser; it was a sold-out event honoring Michelle Grand-Milkovic, the co-owner of love.fish Barangaroo, who is currently battling terminal ovarian cancer. Last Wednesday, over 100 professional women gathered for the final Collabor8Women event of the year, turning a somber cause into a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and survival.
The event, Michelle’s 27th Collabor8Women gathering and her fourth time hosting, shattered its original fundraising goal by more than double. All proceeds will fund research for an early detection test for ovarian cancer—a disease that, despite being the deadliest cancer affecting women, still lacks a reliable screening method due to chronic underfunding and systemic bias in women’s health. And this is the part most people miss: the $12,000 raised will directly support clinical trials for the world’s first DNA-based early detection test, potentially saving millions of lives.
In her address to the guests, Michelle shared, ‘To have our community raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer means the world to me. Today is a collective celebration—a true collaboration. A celebration of women, of what we bring to each other, and the force we are when we unite.’ Her words echoed the sentiment of the 12 female hospitality leaders who joined forces for the campaign, including Judy and Kate McMahon (Catalina), Baci Moore (Bistro Rex), and Marilyn Annecchini (Pilu), among others.
But here’s the controversial part: Why has ovarian cancer research been so chronically underfunded? Is it a reflection of broader societal biases against women’s health issues? These questions linger as the event highlights the urgent need for change. As Catalina’s owner Judy McMahon noted, ‘Michelle’s courage and spirit reflect what makes this industry special—it’s about people, heart, and community.’ Similarly, Baci Moore of Bistro Rex added, ‘When women in hospitality come together, we lift each other up. Supporting Michelle and this campaign is something we’re deeply proud to do.’
The event wasn’t just about fundraising; it was a testament to the impact of collaboration. Collabor8Women co-founders Samantha Theron and Karen Eck emphasized the organization’s mission: to create a space where women can connect authentically, share openly, and leave inspired. ‘Michelle embodies what Collabor8Women is all about: courage, generosity, and connection,’ Samantha said. Karen added, ‘This event is a celebration of collaboration and strength—the perfect way to close our 2025 calendar.’
Looking ahead, Collabor8Women will return on February 4, 2026, with a special cocktail launch and a new program in partnership with trendy venues. But before we move on, let’s pause and reflect: What if this event isn’t just a fundraiser, but a call to action? What if it challenges us to rethink how we prioritize women’s health? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think ovarian cancer research deserves more attention? And what role can communities like Collabor8Women play in driving systemic change? Let’s keep the conversation going.
