THE NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER COALITION ANNOUNCES OVARIAN CANCER SURVIVOR MEREDITH MITSTIFER AS INCOMING BOARD CHAIR

Dallas, TX, April 23, 2018 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has announced Dr. Meredith Mitstifer, ovarian cancer Survivor, advocate, and volunteer, as its incoming Board Chair effective Friday, April 27, 2018.  Mitstifer will replace Wendy Lancaster Homer, who will be celebrated for her 15 years of service to the organization during a special ceremony to be held on Saturday, April 28^th at the NOCC’s 2018 National Conference at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition brings hope to women and their families across the nation who are struggling with ovarian cancer. 1 in 75 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Homer has been associated with the NOCC since 2000, initially attending the NOCC’s Delaware Valley/ Philadelphia Chapter Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer® after her mother, Jerry Lynn Lancaster, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  When Homer’s mother lost her fight to the disease on Christmas Day in 2002, Homer became a regular volunteer of the organization, later becoming the volunteer Chapter Manager in 2006 and has served on the NOCC Board since 2009.  She will remain a Board Director. Professionally, Homer serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer for Keller Williams Princeton Real Estate, located in Princeton, New Jersey. 

“The NOCC has been a great place of support to many women and their families, and my family was no different when my mother was diagnosed,” states Homer.  “In our search for more information and support, we found the NOCC. Through the support and outreach of my own mother’s illness, I was able to find my passion in advocating for the women who are living with ovarian cancer, empowering them to have hope for the future, hope for a detection test, and hope for a cure. I am grateful that I was able to serve as Board Chair of this great organization and look forward to our continued impact, as we show that we are together, in teal.”

Longtime volunteer, Mitstifer, who has been committed to assist in the NOCC’s mission since 2013 as a volunteer Chapter Manager for the NOCC’s Tucson Chapter, and most recently as a Director at Large for the NOCC’s Board, will replace Homer. Mitstifer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, located in Tucson, Arizona.

“The NOCC played a tremendous role in my rise from the darkness of this disease,” states Mitstifer. “The support, inspiration, and sharing of stories allowed me to share my own vulnerabilities and speak my truth.  This, in turn, led me to live fearlessly authentic, empower my advocacy, and strengthen my dedication to those touched by ovarian cancer.  The time has come to make the world FEEL THE TEAL.  No one should survive alone.  Education and awareness are the keys to saving lives. The NOCC supports education, research, quality of life, and community where hope is on the horizon.  It is my profound honor to hold space with this incredible teal tribe, as well as represent ovarian cancer survivorship.”

“I cannot thank Wendy and Meredith enough, as well as all board members and volunteers, for their passion, stewardship, and dedication to the NOCC throughout the years,” states David Barley, CEO of the NOCC.  “With this leadership change, we expect the NOCC to continue to expand its presence as the driving force in both national and community advocacy in ovarian cancer.” 

To learn more about the NOCC’s mission and its Board of Directors, please visit ovarian.org. Want to join the effort? Email us at [email protected].

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 About the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
For more than 25 years, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has been committed to raising awareness, promoting education, and funding research in support of women, families, and communities touched by ovarian cancer. The NOCC is well established as an important national advocate for patients and families struggling with ovarian cancer. The NOCC remains steadfast in its mission “to save lives by fighting tirelessly to prevent and cure ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for survivors.” For more information, please visit www.ovarian.org and follow the NOCC on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

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Kim Price
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
9493856170
[email protected]