About

The Lowcountry Ovarian Cancer Alliance was founded by ovarian cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, health professional students, and caring community members. We are striving towards a cure, bolstering local gynecological cancer patients and raising awareness of ovarian cancer. Below you will find information regarding our board members and a basic listing of our support and awareness programs. Please check out the Programs tab above for more information.

Our Board

Sue Sommer-Kresse, PhD, Co-chair: Retired higher education administrator; Professor Emeriti, College of Charleston; Honorary member and past-president of Rotary Club of Charleston; former board member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo Bank, and Roper St. Frances Hospital. Three-time ovarian cancer survivor.

Lynda Zegers, PhD, Co-chair: Long-time volunteer supporting ovarian cancer. Professionally my passion is patient support and education in the oncology field.

Nancy Shapiro: I have been a board member for 7 years and am a 10-year survivor. The initial stage was 3a and now there is no evidence of disease. Previous professions include floral broker, garment industry, and restaurant owner.

Linda Carmain : I am a two-time survivor and I coordinate outreach programs for the Alliance. Support is so important to patients walking this difficult journey and I am committed to giving back to others to help ease their journey.

Stacy Goer: As a former CPA, I have served as a Controller and Office Manager for various corporations and have been involved in most aspects of management and accounting functions. I have volunteered for The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Florida and been a member of the board of the Florida Institute and Boca Raton Chapter of CPAs. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Bristol Condominium Association.

Sharkea Hicks: is a licensed professional counselor
providing therapy in person and via telehealth. Holding a Master's
degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from SC State University and a
Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College,
Sharkea is a Nationally Certified Anger Management Specialist
(CAMS-II) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). She is an
ovarian cancer survivor.

Caroline Kittrell: I am an M.D./Ph.D. student at the Medical University of South Carolina. Currently, I conduct research investigating biomarkers for cancers discovered in later stages such as ovarian cancer. I have been inspired by the great need in the ovarian cancer space for more support, research, and awareness.

Dr. Ward Katsanis is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist in Charleston, SC, where he has practiced for over twenty years. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completed his residency training at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. He received specialized training in gynecologic oncology and was awarded the Sharon E. Smith Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1997. Dr. Katsanis currently practices at the Carolina Center of Gynecologic Oncology, with locations in West Ashley and Trident Hospital in North Charleston and is affiliated with Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and Roper Hospital in Charleston.

“Cancer is just a chapter in our lives and not the whole story.”

Our Mission

Our Support and Educational Programs

Teal Totes
Lunch Bunch
Survivors Teaching Students

Our Vision

Our hope is to ensure no woman in our region with gynecological cancer feels isolated, alone or unnoticed. Through your support we can accomplish this now. In the future, through research and education, we envision a world free of gynecological cancers where women are safe from being silenced by this disease.

We Need Your Support Today!

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About

Our Board

Our Support and Educational Programs

Teal Totes

Lunch Bunch

Survivors Teaching Students

Our Vision

We Need Your Support Today!

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