Ovarian Connection

OCC Volunteer Board

Volunteer Board Members

Amy Creque Stone

In honor and memory of my mom, who was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 49, I am proud to be involved and spread the word of the ovarian and other gyn cancers. My family participated in the first ovarian cancer walk at Oak Openings Metropark right alongside my mom – the beginning of truly making a difference. It was important to my mom that women listen to their bodies and be familiar enough with symptoms to know when something needs to be investigated.

My mom loved to golf. We have been “Teeing Off for Teal” either as a golf outing, or mini golf fundraiser to raise money for the OCC. Ovarian cancer has touched so many of my friends and family and I continue to fight for all of them in the hope that a diagnostic test and ultimately a cure can be discovered.

Jeanne Wingate – Survivor

I was diagnosed with Stage 2c Ovarian Cancer in 2002 and as a 23 year survivor, the mission of the OCC is my passion for educating and raising awareness of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer to the community. The OCC also offers an amazing Financial Assistance Program for our survivors who are in treatment and experiencing a financial need. The OCC Board Members have been a source of support and encouragement to myself and we passionately work side by side planning events throughout the year including our signature event, the Annual Ellen Jackson Walk in September. The ladies that I have met through these events over the years, including the “Let’s Talk it Ovar” Support Group, are friendships that I will cherish forever!

Luanne Strow – Secretary

I first became aware of the Ovarian Cancer Connection in 2010 when I participated in my first OCC walk following the completion of my own treatment for ovarian cancer. I received a Stage 3C diagnosis in 2007 after months of silent symptoms that I attributed to the onset of menopause. I am extremely blessed to be a survivor. After seeing and hearing about the work of the OCC and its mission, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.

So it was with great pleasure and excitement that I joined the Board of Directors of the Ovarian Cancer Connection in 2017. Through the OCC, I am able to participate in outreach to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. This has been a passion of mine. I’m also able to take part in fundraising activities to help with the OCC’s financial assistance programs. This organization continues to do amazing work to support women fighting ovarian cancer.

Vanessa Court – President

 

My name is Vanessa Court and I was first diagnosed with Stage 2B cancer in 2015. I was devastated when it came back with a vengeance in 2017 and progressed to Stage 4. I gained weight cause of the meds and lost my hair, my self esteem was at it lowest. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about my problems until I went to a Let’s Talk it Ovar support group meeting. I met with my fellow lady warriors who helped me realize that it’s OK to be angry and have those sad days. Feeling seen and heard by these ladies had helped me so much i felt the need to pay it forward.

I joined the OCC back in 2021 and became Board President in 2025. My goal with this organization is to help spread awareness to those who don’t know the early signs and symptoms of ALL women’s gynecological cancers, and to help the ladies that are currently going through treatments like the OCC did for me.

Wendy Stanley

Amy Sarantou

Amy Sarantou is an ovarian cancer survivor and a dedicated advocate for awareness, support, and patient resources. She has served on the Board of the Ovarian Cancer Connection since 2024, bringing a survivor’s perspective and a strong commitment to advancing the organization’s mission and community impact.

 

Devanie (Dev) Doran

Originally diagnosed in October of 2018 with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer. It returned in July of 2021, March of 2023 and January of 2025. I am currently in remission. After attending the Survivor Luncheon in 2022 and listening to members of the Board talk about their mission, I decided to join the Board in order to help others dealing with this sometimes unknown (or not talked about) disease. I am so glad I did. What an amazing journey it has been with an amazing group. The members of the Board are dedicated to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and helping with financial aid to as many women as we can with gynecological cancers. We have several fund raisers throughout the year, please join us in one or all of them.
I also started attending the LTIO meetings on a regular basis. I now lead the meetings and have learned so much from the amazing women who attend. The meetings are informative and a great place to share concerns and hope. I didn’t know how much I needed the support of others who understood what I was going through until I joined LTIO. I continue to look forward to the meetings and seeing old and new friends. Please consider joining us if you get a chance.

Heather Byram