The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation
The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation was started in 2003 by Celma, her family and friends to help other women who
were also suffering with ovarian cancer. Celma herself was not diagnosed until late in the disease although she had been seeking treatment as she knew something was wrong.
Her spirit lives on in our Mission Statement: “To unite family, friends, and community to fight ovarian cancer.”
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. Celma is survived by eight children, a large extended family and many friends.
Our Goals
- Sponsor Research. – $487,520.00
- Assist in the development of an early detection test, and in prevention.
- Educate the Community – $215,000.00
- Offer financial assistance to patients in need. – $914,208.00
Disclosure Requirements Required by Florida Law
Our Registered Charity Number – CH16388
Division of Consumer Services – 1-800-HELP-FLA(435-7352) – www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
Our Future Plans
Our Foundation will continue to seek out innovative and promising research and will continue to assist patients in financial need and promote awareness. We invite you to join us in the fight to vanquish ovarian cancer.
Current Accomplishments
Our Foundation has funded over $487,520.00 in research by Dr. Patricia Judson of Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Rebecca Sutphen and Mildred-Acevedo Duncan, PHD of USF, Dr. Todd Buren, Dr. Jim Coward of Mater Research Hospital. We have given over $914,208.00 to numerous individuals to assist them financially as they struggle to overcome cancer and still pay their bills.
CMOCF provides Bags of Comfort for Hope Project which provides bags filled with information and resources to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients.
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.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Partner Member
CMOCF is proud to be a partner in the OCRA Dream Team for Ovarian Cancer and participate in the OCRA Conference in Washington, DC and the “March to Capitol Hill” initiative to speak to Florida’s Senators and Representatives and the “March to Capitol Hill” initiative to speak to Florida’s Senators and Representatives to ask for continued funding of the National Cancer Institute’s research of Ovarian Cancer.
Celma’s Super Hero Awards
Celma’s Superheros of 2014
Ed Hotz, and Lee and Page Obenshain who have spent hundreds of volunteer hours contributing to the success of One Step Closer to the Cure for 5 years.
Celma’s Superheros of 2013
Celma’s 3rd Super Heroes 2013 are Susie Cordero Rodriguez and Desiree Feliu – two incredible volunteers of US Marshal’s Golf Tournament and Co-Chairs of Party with a Purpose and Dinners in honor of survivor Lisa Alfonso, also for organizing Team Alfonso for One Step Closer 5K events involving hundreds of volunteers and fundraising. Thank you both for the incredible difference you have made for women fighting ovarian cancer.
Celma’s Superheros of 2012
Congratulations to Celma’s 2nd Super Hero, Monique Konstantinovic! She is truly a superwoman as a 2nd year medical student at USF and race director of RACE4HerLife –Fighting Ovarian Cancer, fantastic runner and volunteer. We thank her for making a difference in the lives of so many women fighting ovarian cancer.
Meet Celma’s First Super Hero
Julia Gilby, age 9, was recognized and given her award at the 2011 One Step Event . She is our superhero who has made a difference in the lives of women with Ovarian Cancer by her unselfish efforts in raising funds and awareness for the Foundation. She requested donations be made to our cause instead of gifts for both her 9th and 10th birthdays. Thank you Julia, you are indeed Celma’s super hero.
Celma Mastry Award of Excellence for Volunteers
Congratulations to the 2nd Recipient of the Celma Mastry Award of Excellence for Volunteers, Carole Cowan. Carole was co-chairman of the Fashion Gala and she too is an outstanding volunteer as she spends a great deal of time sitting with patients during chemo. She truly is a wonderful asset to this Foundation.
In 2008, 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!
Disclosure Requirements Required by Florida Law