Laurel J. Pracht, President

Laurel founded the West Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance to help women recognize the subtle symptoms ov ovarian cancer within her community. She’s a 25-year survivor of this disease and hopes through the education the Alliance incorporates into their yearly golf outing to inform women of the disease’s symptoms. She works as a Research Patient Advocate with the NRG Oncology, a nationwide research group and with the National Cancer Institute as well as withn her community. She has been an Advocate 20+ years.

She understands all too well how hearing the words, “You have ovarian cancer” suddenly turns your world upside down. If she were to be diagnosed today, with targeted therapies thanks to clinical trial research, she may have had very different treatment.

Carol Ann Kunz, secretary/Treasurer

Carol Ann is an advocate for educating women and raising awareness of the symptoms of Ovarian cancer. 

Carol Ann was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in 2002.  This was quite a shock as she had no idea that she had any symptoms of Ovarian cancer.  This is because like many women, she didn’t know what the symptoms were.  After having an Oophorectomy, she had a course of 6 chemotherapy treatments and is thankful to be a 23-year survivor.

Joan cross-zurek

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Joan Zurek's passing. As a beloved member of our ovarian cancer charity board, her kindness and dedication were an inspiration to us all. Joan often said, “Not to spoil the ending, but everything is going to be okay ❤️." We will honor her memory at our future golf outings, where her spirit will always be with us. Joan was a devoted member of our Board and an avid golfer.

Michele staples

Michele Staples is an 9 year Stage IV Ovarian Cancer Survivor. When she was diagnosed in 2016, she confronted it head on like she does with anything in life. As a former NFL Cheerleader, she was familiar with giving back to the community and she knew that she wanted to find an organization that does just that.

 She has served on several of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance committees including the Woman to Woman Mentor Program, the Capitol Hill Advocate Leader Program and as a Consumer Reviewer for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program. She has also choreographed an Ovarian Cancer Flash Mob to Rachel Patton's “Fight Song” that has been performed at numerous events.

 She is excited to be involved with the West Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance because they are a community partner of OCRA and they advocate for patients by raising funds for research to find a cure.

 She currently lives in Surprise, AZ with her husband, John, and their fur babies at their Boston Terrier Ranch.