The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation (NOBCF) was established in 2001 and proudly holds a 501(c)(3) designation. Over the years, we have earned numerous accolades and awards, gained accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and remained steadfast in our mission to serve our community. At the heart of our foundation is a dedicated
The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation (NOBCF) was established in 2001 and proudly holds a 501(c)(3) designation. Over the years, we have earned numerous accolades and awards, gained accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and remained steadfast in our mission to serve our community. At the heart of our foundation is a dedicated Board of Directors committed to driving meaningful change in breast cancer research and advocacy. Meet the leaders behind NOBCF:
Terri Guerra
Board President and Chairman
Amy Bernstein
Board Member, Fundraising Chair
Gloria Moorman
Board Member, Treasurer
Peggie Kohnert
Board Member, Speaker Chair
Jennifer Hernandez
Board Member
Mary Piper
Board Member, Spirit of Courage Chair
Mariella Massa
Board Member
Each board member’s dedication, expertise, and passion drive NOBCF’s efforts to create a future without breast cancer. Together, they inspire progress and hope in the fight against this disease.
At NOBCF, we are steadfast in our mission to fund local initiatives that drive advancements in breast cancer research. Together, we’re working toward improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Here’s Why Your Support Matters:
Fueling Groundbreaking Research
Your contributions support essential research projects, helping to advance treatm
At NOBCF, we are steadfast in our mission to fund local initiatives that drive advancements in breast cancer research. Together, we’re working toward improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Here’s Why Your Support Matters:
Fueling Groundbreaking Research
Your contributions support essential research projects, helping to advance treatments and bring us closer to a cure.
Partnering with Experts
We collaborate closely with Houston’s leading doctors and researchers to ensure every dollar is strategically invested in meaningful progress.
Volunteer-Powered Impact
With NOBCF’s all-volunteer structure, you can trust that every penny donated directly supports life-saving research—no overhead, just impact.
Local Focus, Lasting Change
100% of the funds we raise stay in Houston, strengthening our community and supporting local medical advancements.
Join us in making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Together, we’re creating hope and saving lives!
The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation (NOBCF) is driven by a team of dedicated committee members who work passionately to support breast cancer research and awareness. Each member brings unique talents and unwavering commitment to achieving our vision of a world without breast cancer. Let’s introduce the incredible individuals behind o
The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation (NOBCF) is driven by a team of dedicated committee members who work passionately to support breast cancer research and awareness. Each member brings unique talents and unwavering commitment to achieving our vision of a world without breast cancer. Let’s introduce the incredible individuals behind our mission:
Terri Guerra
Board President and Chairman
Terri leads NOBCF with vision and determination, inspiring the team to make meaningful strides in breast cancer advocacy and research.
Amy Bernstein
Board Member, Fundraising Chair
Amy’s expertise in fundraising plays a critical role in securing the resources needed to advance our cause.
Gloria Moorman
Board Member, Treasurer
With a sharp focus on financial stewardship, Gloria ensures the foundation’s resources are effectively managed.
Peggie Kohnert
Board Member, Speaker Chair
Peggie coordinates impactful speakers to share knowledge and stories that inspire and educate our community.
Jennifer Hernandez
Board Member
Jennifer’s dedication strengthens the foundation’s initiatives and helps expand our reach.
Mary Piper
Board Member, Spirit of Courage Chair
Mary oversees the Spirit of Courage program, celebrating resilience and hope within the breast cancer community.
Mariella Massa
Board Member
Mariella’s insight and contributions enhance the foundation’s efforts to fulfill its mission.
Christina Sacco
Auction Chair
Christina organizes successful auctions that raise vital funds for breast cancer research.
Randee Kaplan, Shelly Levy, & Modie Piperi
Fashion for the Cure Co-Chairs
Together, Randee, Shelly, and Modie bring creativity, passion, and innovation to our signature Fashion for the Cure event. Their collaborative efforts ensure this stylish and impactful event continues to be a highlight of the foundation’s calendar.
Elizabeth Rankin Rice
Volunteer Coordinator
Elizabeth ensures our dedicated volunteers are supported and aligned with our mission.
Tamara Mannen
Guest Services
Tamara’s attention to detail guarantees exceptional experiences for our event attendees.
David Gugino
Event Specialist
David’s expertise in event planning ensures seamless execution of our initiatives.
Ellie Riney
Event Coordinator
Ellie’s organizational skills and enthusiasm keep our events running smoothly.
Together, this exceptional team dedicates their time and talents to raise funds, foster awareness, and drive research efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Their commitment inspires us all to envision a brighter, cancer-free future.
Nancy Owens displayed unwavering determination and remarkable bravery as she valiantly confronted three battles with breast cancer spanning two decades until September 7, 2001. Nancy, hailing from St. Joseph, Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. For four years, she immersed herself in the field of interior design before relocating to Houston in 1976, where she joined John Daugherty Realtors, specializing in residential property sales. In 1981, she co-established the Turner-Owens Properties real estate firm, which she later sold in 1986 to initiate Nancy Owens Properties. Following her second bout with breast cancer in 1992, she returned to John Daugherty Realtors as a broker associate, seeking to simplify her life.
Throughout her illustrious 25-year real estate career, Nancy earned numerous awards and commendations, including the prestigious John E. Wolf Citizenship Award in 2000, bestowed upon her by the Houston Association of Realtors. She was an active member of both the Texas Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In addition to her professional commitments, Nancy dedicated her time to a diverse array of organizations, including Kappa Kappa Gamma, Eye Openers (her breakfast club), and various charitable causes.
Nancy's true passion lay in the serenity of country life. Together with her husband, Joe, with whom she shared 25 years, she sought solace on her 103-acre farm in Shelby, Texas, near Round Top. There, she cherished moments with her beloved horses and mules, taking pleasure in the simple joys of watching grass sway and wildflowers bloom. The small St. Paul Lutheran church by her farm held a special place in her heart. Nancy also possessed a spirit of adventure, eagerly embracing opportunities for travel and exploration.
A memorial service, held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, at 2:00 p.m., was attended by an overflowing congregation of mourners, despite the emotional turmoil caused by the tragic events of 9/11. Nancy's radiant smile and the sparkle in her eyes were among her greatest beauties, whether she was sharing her delightful sense of humor or negotiating a real estate transaction. The lessons of courage, faith, and perseverance she imparted to those fortunate enough to know her will forever be etched in their hearts.
Copyright © 2025 Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation
The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) corporation.
All Rights Reserved