O.A.K. History

Jill Doimer and the late Judy Morris created Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky in April 2001.

Judy had ovarian cancer and had no support group in Louisville at the time of diagnosis. She wanted that to change for those other women who were diagnosed. Jill's mother lived another state and had ovarian cancer. The two met on the Internet in the ACOR Ovarian Cancer Problems Discussion List group. The two decided to form an alliance and raise awareness in the community of ovarian cancer.

The creation of OAK was a gathering of women who had ovarian cancer and let them share experiences through monthly support group meetings. Education and awareness for ovarian cancer was unheard of in the Louisville area; known as the "silent" disease. With that, Jill & Judy pledged to reach the surrounding communities and entire state by holding free educational seminars, attending health and city fairs to distribute information and direct mail marketing to the gynecologists, libraries and health departments.

A mighty wind Blew night and day. It stole the oak tree's leaves away, Then snapped its boughs And pulled it bark Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground While other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing, Oak?" The oak tree said, "I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two, Carry every leaf away, Shake my limbs, and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, Growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see, They are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure Of just how much I could endure. But now I've found, with thanks to you I'm stronger than I ever knew."

Author unknown

Jill and Judy found they needed to include all gynecological cancers in their program. There was not any support groups for these specific cancers.

They partnered with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance on how to reach these goals, attended training seminars, and the group blossomed.

OAK is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization with three Board Members and nine doctors on the Medical Advisory Board.

OAK is a partner-member with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Our Mission...

• To provide resources for support, networking, and education for women who are diagnosed with gynecological cancers and their caregivers in order to improve outcomes
• To create awareness among women and the greater community regarding early warning signs that may be indicative of ovarian cancer, resulting in earlier detection and saved lives
• To encourage greater citizen participation in gynecological cancer issues for the benefit of future generations through public education programs, media collaboration, and joint ventures with other community organizations

2009-2010 Executive Board of Directors

• SuzAnne Caraway, President
• Jill Doimer, Co-Founder
• Jackie Neumann, Advisory Board Chair
• April Perry, Treasurer
• Michelle Yeager, Secretary

2009-2010 Business Advisory Board

• Jackie Neumann – Advisory Board Chair
• Michelle Bibee
• Sue Crouch
• Frank Edwards
• Jamie Hartlage
• Cheri Hauber
• Elizabeth Jordan
• Ron Kummer
• Margie Kummer
• Ann Miller
• Sarah Morris
• Shannon Peace
• Mark Perry
• Melody Schenk

Medical Advisory Board

• Dr. Paul DePriest -- University of Kentucky
• Dr. Fred Ueland -- University of Kentucky
• Dr. John van Nagell, Jr. -- University of Kentucky
• Dr. Chris Desimone -- University of Kentucky
• Dr. William Helm -- University of Louisville
• Dr. Daniel Metzinger -- University of Louisville
• Dr. Lynn Parker -- University of Louisville
• Dr. Mary Gordinier -- Louisville Oncology
• Dr. Steven Pursell -- Louisville Oncology
• Dr. David Doering -- Louisville Oncology
• Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg -- Louisville Oncology
• Dr. Sandra Brooks -- Louisville Oncology
• Sibyl Cagata, MSN, ARNP, OCN -- Louisville Oncology

*Elizabeth Jordan, Office Manager/Program Director

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