Award Winning Actress Kathy
Bates Opens Up to OCNA about
her Experience with Ovarian Cancer
"As an ovarian cancer survivor, I have decided
to join forces with the Ovarian Cancer National
Alliance by sharing my story and helping
educate women about one of the deadliest
cancers affecting women today." --Kathy Bates
Bates Opens Up to OCNA about
her Experience with Ovarian Cancer
"As an ovarian cancer survivor, I have decided
to join forces with the Ovarian Cancer National
Alliance by sharing my story and helping
educate women about one of the deadliest
cancers affecting women today." --Kathy Bates
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Annette Leal Mattern, President
Annette has lived with ovarian cancer for over 20 years, through many recurrences. Retiring early from an executive
marketing position at US WEST/Qwest, she published a book about surviving catastrophic illness, Outside The Lines of
love, life, and cancer. She also turned her focus to helping women cope with gynecologic cancer through community
work, including speaking to survivor groups across the country. She serves on the national board of directors of the
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in Washington, DC and chairs the marketing and communications committee. Annette
lives with her husband, Rich, two dogs and a cat in Scottsdale.
Ellen Krause Johnson, Treasurer
Ellen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2008. Ellen is devoted to increasing awareness of the symptoms of
ovarian cancer so that women can be diagnosed earlier and receive prompt treatment to live longer lives. Originally from
Pittsburgh, PA, Ellen and her husband David relocated from the Bay Area to Scottsdale in 2005. Ellen has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing and Communications and is self-employed providing paralegal and accounting services to
attorneys.
Laurel Pracht, Secretary
Laurel is a 10+ year survivor of ovarian cancer. A graduate of the University of NE College of Business, she had a
successful career as a real estate broker in Colo. She currently serves as Patient Advocate on the Gynecologic
Committee, Southwest Oncology Group. Her advocacy for women with ovarian cancer led her to work with the National
Oncologic PET Registry to assure coverage of PET scans by Medicare. She provides peer counsel to ovarian cancer
patients online and is dedicated to conquering a disease that has "claimed the lives of too many of my friends!" She is
the founder / director of the annual Teal Ribbon Golf Tournament in Sun City, AZ. where she now lives with her husband,
Bob.
Christina Wofford, Media Advisor
Christina Wofford worked as a journalist for more than 15 years, most recently as the weekend anchor/reporter at CBS5
in Phoenix. Christina is proud to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona's mission because one of her mentors
sadly died of the disease. In her spare time Christina enjoys hiking with her husband, Jim McNamara, and their dog Nico.
Kelly Colonello, CRNP, Medical Advisor
Kelly is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, relocating to the Phoenix area in 2004 to pursue her medical career as a Nurse
Practitioner in Gynecologic Oncology. She received her Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She
has 16 years experience in Gynecologic Oncology ranging from Oncology Research, Academic Medicine and now in
Private Practice. She has an added passion for Ovarian Cancer having been involved with the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition, Pittsburgh and Phoenix divisions, and was a co-leader for the Ovarian Cancer Support Group at University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center. Kelly is a patient advocate and is quite honored to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of
Arizona, reaching out to women with this challenging disease.
Sherry Zumbrunnen, RN, BSN, HN-BC, Spiritual Advisor
Sherry is a registered nurse with 29 years of experience and a special interest in Holistic Nursing. In addition, she holds
a Masters in Nursing and is board certified in Holistic Nursing. During her 25 years at Scottsdale Healthcare, Sherry has
developed new hospital programs including a Disease Management program for people with heart failure, asthma,
COPD, and diabetes. A certified Kripalu/Amrit Yoga Instructor and Reiki Master, Sherry currently supervises the Body,
Mind, Spirit Program at The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, helping countless survivors improve their experience.
Julie Westhoff, Board Member
Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and ovarian cancer in August of 2006. After she experienced staging and
treatment misinformation during her initial breast cancer diagnosis, she became an advocate for women’s health
issues, with her main focus being ovarian cancer. Julie would like all women to be informed about the silent symptoms
we quite often overlook. Her goal is to empower women to play an active role in regards to their health and learn to seek
out information. Julie is the recipient of the 2010 Anne Rita Monahan Crusader Award for which she was recognized as a
dedicated supporter and advocate who has made contributions for cancer awareness and has displayed determination
and perseverance in her journey. Julie is employed as a Service Administrator for Brotherton Investment Consultants in
Scottsdale. She is originally from a small town in central Kansas, but has called Arizona home since 1997.
Karen Nally, Board Member
Karen Nally lost her mother to ovarian cancer. "That diagnosis forever changed my life. As a result, I promised myself
that I would do something, but I never could figure out what that something was." An attorney, practicing since 1994 in
the area of utility regulation and water and power law, Karen has found the way to make a difference by joining our board.
She graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Arizona State University
College of Law with a Juris Doctor Degree.
Joe Casey, Board Member
Joe lost his mother to Ovarian Cancer in June of 2009, and is honored to be part of a board with such dedication and
commitment to the cause. Originally from South Dakota, Joe has been a part of the Arizona community for over ten
years. He is employed with Avnet Inc as an Electrical Engineer, and spends all of his free time enjoying the outdoors
with his family. He lives in central Phoenix with his wife Katie and new son Aiden.
Annette has lived with ovarian cancer for over 20 years, through many recurrences. Retiring early from an executive
marketing position at US WEST/Qwest, she published a book about surviving catastrophic illness, Outside The Lines of
love, life, and cancer. She also turned her focus to helping women cope with gynecologic cancer through community
work, including speaking to survivor groups across the country. She serves on the national board of directors of the
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in Washington, DC and chairs the marketing and communications committee. Annette
lives with her husband, Rich, two dogs and a cat in Scottsdale.
Ellen Krause Johnson, Treasurer
Ellen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2008. Ellen is devoted to increasing awareness of the symptoms of
ovarian cancer so that women can be diagnosed earlier and receive prompt treatment to live longer lives. Originally from
Pittsburgh, PA, Ellen and her husband David relocated from the Bay Area to Scottsdale in 2005. Ellen has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing and Communications and is self-employed providing paralegal and accounting services to
attorneys.
Laurel Pracht, Secretary
Laurel is a 10+ year survivor of ovarian cancer. A graduate of the University of NE College of Business, she had a
successful career as a real estate broker in Colo. She currently serves as Patient Advocate on the Gynecologic
Committee, Southwest Oncology Group. Her advocacy for women with ovarian cancer led her to work with the National
Oncologic PET Registry to assure coverage of PET scans by Medicare. She provides peer counsel to ovarian cancer
patients online and is dedicated to conquering a disease that has "claimed the lives of too many of my friends!" She is
the founder / director of the annual Teal Ribbon Golf Tournament in Sun City, AZ. where she now lives with her husband,
Bob.
Christina Wofford, Media Advisor
Christina Wofford worked as a journalist for more than 15 years, most recently as the weekend anchor/reporter at CBS5
in Phoenix. Christina is proud to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona's mission because one of her mentors
sadly died of the disease. In her spare time Christina enjoys hiking with her husband, Jim McNamara, and their dog Nico.
Kelly Colonello, CRNP, Medical Advisor
Kelly is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, relocating to the Phoenix area in 2004 to pursue her medical career as a Nurse
Practitioner in Gynecologic Oncology. She received her Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She
has 16 years experience in Gynecologic Oncology ranging from Oncology Research, Academic Medicine and now in
Private Practice. She has an added passion for Ovarian Cancer having been involved with the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition, Pittsburgh and Phoenix divisions, and was a co-leader for the Ovarian Cancer Support Group at University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center. Kelly is a patient advocate and is quite honored to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of
Arizona, reaching out to women with this challenging disease.
Sherry Zumbrunnen, RN, BSN, HN-BC, Spiritual Advisor
Sherry is a registered nurse with 29 years of experience and a special interest in Holistic Nursing. In addition, she holds
a Masters in Nursing and is board certified in Holistic Nursing. During her 25 years at Scottsdale Healthcare, Sherry has
developed new hospital programs including a Disease Management program for people with heart failure, asthma,
COPD, and diabetes. A certified Kripalu/Amrit Yoga Instructor and Reiki Master, Sherry currently supervises the Body,
Mind, Spirit Program at The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, helping countless survivors improve their experience.
Julie Westhoff, Board Member
Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and ovarian cancer in August of 2006. After she experienced staging and
treatment misinformation during her initial breast cancer diagnosis, she became an advocate for women’s health
issues, with her main focus being ovarian cancer. Julie would like all women to be informed about the silent symptoms
we quite often overlook. Her goal is to empower women to play an active role in regards to their health and learn to seek
out information. Julie is the recipient of the 2010 Anne Rita Monahan Crusader Award for which she was recognized as a
dedicated supporter and advocate who has made contributions for cancer awareness and has displayed determination
and perseverance in her journey. Julie is employed as a Service Administrator for Brotherton Investment Consultants in
Scottsdale. She is originally from a small town in central Kansas, but has called Arizona home since 1997.
Karen Nally, Board Member
Karen Nally lost her mother to ovarian cancer. "That diagnosis forever changed my life. As a result, I promised myself
that I would do something, but I never could figure out what that something was." An attorney, practicing since 1994 in
the area of utility regulation and water and power law, Karen has found the way to make a difference by joining our board.
She graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Arizona State University
College of Law with a Juris Doctor Degree.
Joe Casey, Board Member
Joe lost his mother to Ovarian Cancer in June of 2009, and is honored to be part of a board with such dedication and
commitment to the cause. Originally from South Dakota, Joe has been a part of the Arizona community for over ten
years. He is employed with Avnet Inc as an Electrical Engineer, and spends all of his free time enjoying the outdoors
with his family. He lives in central Phoenix with his wife Katie and new son Aiden.
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