ABOUT THE TEAL JOURNEY OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION
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The Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation was started in May 2016 by Jay Conner, Gary McKinsey, and Cristina Martins Sinco. Together, they decided it was time to start a foundation that would directly help women battling ovarian cancer in their community and bring awareness to the cause through education and early detection. All three founders have been touched by ovarian cancer and are committed to taking a stand and making a difference in the fight against this daunting disease.
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For the past 35 years Jay Conner has done just about everything one could possibly think of to benefit the California Central Coast community. His passion is to find an unmet need and then make something happen. He has founded or served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations such as Honor Flight Central Coast California, California Central Coast Cops ‘N Kids, Inc., San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Foundation, and is currently a founding member and President of the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce. He is also an Army veteran, honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1968. After a 42 year career with PG&E, Since 2007, Jay has continued his passion for helping people through becoming a Realtor with Century 21 Hometown Realty. For the past 4 years he continues to inspire others by dedicating his energy to helping raise the awareness for the early detection and education of ovarian cancer.
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Gary McKinsey began farming when he was only 8 years old. He has called Santa Maria home for the past 20 years. He became an Ovarian Cancer advocate when his beloved wife, Julie McKinsey, was diagnosed with stage IV in 2009. After the major diagnosis, he really got involved in raising awareness for ovarian cancer. He became involved in The Quest in 2011 and dedicated a lot of time for that foundation for four years. For many years, Gary and Julie discussed starting their own foundation for the cause. Unfortunately, Julie passed away from ovarian cancer in September 2015. Though losing his wife has been incredibly difficult, Gary decided to follow through on their plan. He joined with Jay Connor and Cristina Martins Sinco to start The Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Gary is now dedicating his time and effort to bring awareness to ovarian cancer.
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Cristina Martins Sinco began her nursing career over 25 years ago. She stopped working to take care of her mom the last six months of her life, who was battling ovarian cancer. Today she is an Ovarian Cancer Advocate and Educator. She is a "Teal Ambassador" for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and is affiliated with other national ovarian cancer organizations. She currently serves on the board of the Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation as its President and Co-Founder. She is involved in her local community and dedicates time with special events for Special Olympics, Rotary and Mission Hope Cancer Center. She makes her home in Santa Maria with her husband Philip Sinco.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s mission is to promote awareness, aid in early detection, and educate women and men in our local communities on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
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