About The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Family, friends and community unite to fight ovarian cancer

About The Foundation

The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation was started in 2003 by family and friends of Celma to help other women who were also suffering with this "silent killer." Celma herself was not diagnosed until late in the disease although she had been seeking treatment as she knew something was wrong.

Celma was a talented leader in the community, gracefully chairing numerous non-profit committees that enhanced the entire Tampa Bay area, including the arts, medical and educational groups. Her leadership, gifts of time and talent, and generous financial support made her a community icon.

Her brave battle with ovarian cancer made her our heroine. Celma died in 2004. Her spirit lives on in our Mission Statement:

"To unite family, friends, and community to fight
ovarian cancer."

Celma is survived by eight children, a large extended family and many friends.

Our Goals

Sponsor Research.
Assist in the development of an early detection test, and in prevention.
Educate the community.
Offer financial assistance to patients in need.

Board of Directors

Founding Chair
Celma N. Mastry*

Officers
Julie M. Janssen, Ed.D*
Dr. Micheal G. Mastry*
Claudette M. Carlan*
Constantine E. "Tino" Mastry*

Joann Barger
Robert Bowen*
Sue Brett
Kevin Carlan
Carole Cowan
David Desper, M.D.
Julie DiOrio
Shirley Insoft*
Rich Knipe, M.D.*
James LaPolla, M.D.*
Mark LaPrade
Adib Mastry*
Celma L. Mastry*
Melanie Mastry
Richard Mastry*
David Moran
Jane Morse-Swett*
Barbara Paonessa*
Jeff Paonessa, M.D.*
Cheryl G. Perry
Keith Ringelspaugh*
Leslie Ringelspaugh
Alice Roess
Sandra Rosenthal
Edie Spies
Linda Switzer
Rosalie Tamney*
Luanne Wagner

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Candy Scherer*

*Founding Member

Verification by Guidestar.org

Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation is a registered member of Guidestar.org. GuideStar's mission is to "revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving." - Guidestar.org

Current Accomplishments

Our Foundation has funded over $160,000 in projects by Dr. James LaPolla of the Women's Cancer Center at Bayfront Medical Center, Dr. Rebecca Sutphen of Moffitt Cancer Center, and sponsored a paper written by Dr. Todd Boren. We have given over $100,000 to numerous individuals to assist them financially as they struggle to overcome cancer and still pay their bills.

CMOCF joined FOCAS, Florida Ovarian Cancer Alliances Speak, whose mission is to unite Florida groups to fight ovarian cancer.

Our fundamental objective is to support efforts for early detection, when ovarian cancer is treatable. Our goals are to prompt legislative action, share information, raise awareness, promote education and share resources.

Sharon O’Gradney, 2008 recipient of the Celma Mastry Award of Excellence This year, we recognized an outstanding volunteer as the first recipient of the Celma Mastry Award of Excellence for Volunteers. Honored was Sharon O'Gradney of O'Bistro Restaurant. Sharon had given greatly of her time and resources to promote "Turn the Table" events that generated significant fundraising for the Foundation. Sharon organized many different restaurants and planned the menus for wonderful evenings of food and fun. Our heartfelt thanks to Sharon for her help, and congratulations!

Future Plans

We plan to continue financially assisting patients, funding research and promoting awareness of ovarian cancer.