About the Foundation
The Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Foundation (formerly, the Bridget Nesko Memorial Scholarship Foundation) is dedicated to the memory of Bridget Flynn Nesko, BSN, RN, who lost her life on November 28, 2022 from the ravages of ovarian cancer at the age of 55. Bridget died like so many other ovarian cancer victims – because of late diagnosis and misunderstood symptoms on the part of her various medical team members who were simply unfamiliar with ovarian cancer, its signs, symptoms and early testing options.
Early signs of her ovarian cancer were present as much as six years prior to its diagnosis when she was required to have a hysterectomy because of heavy bleeding and pain. Those signs, among others, went undetected by the medical community, until her illness reached a critical “Stage 3C”, by February of 2021.
Because of Bridget’s – and millions of women’s similar experiences with ovarian cancer – the Foundation is committed to Defying Ovarian Cancer by:
- Providing and promoting ovarian cancer education and early awareness to the medical community, the media, and the public through the Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Education Center, and;
- By working to defy ovarian cancer’s impact on victims, caregivers, and their families through access to information, evaluation, detection, intervention, testing, treatment and if needed, end-of-life support.
The Foundation also provides financial and operational support to other nonprofit organizations committed to fight ovarian cancer.
Financial and volunteer support is provided for these initiatives through contributions from the public, other Foundations or public and private sector sources.
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Through private funding provided by the founder, the Foundation also grants financial support for programs intended to honor Bridget Nesko’s memory and legacy, including awarding education-oriented financial stipends and career advisory support to children of families impacted by ovarian cancer.
The Foundation is a nonprofit public charity formed in the State of New Jersey in December 2022 – less than three weeks after the death of the organization’s namesake. The Foundation received its nonprofit tax-exempt 501c3 status from the Internal Revenue Service in January 2023, allowing it to solicit tax deductible financial and in-kind gifts and contributions from donors wishing to support the organization in its mission.
A copy of our 501c3 recognition letter from the Internal Revenue Service can be found below.
A copy of our Foundation’s 2023 Form 990 Tax Statement, filed with the Internal Revenue Service, can be found below.
Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Inc. – 2023 IRS Form 990 Tax Filing
HOW WE OPERATE AND ARE STRUCTURED
The Foundation is structured to have Regular Public Members, who elect and can serve as elected Trustees, or in other positions with the Foundation. We have various classes of members who serve on various operating Boards, including Family Members, Advisory Members, Student Members and Honorary Members. Each classification of membership retains certain rights and privileges of association with the Organization.
All public donations made to the Foundation are used exclusively for public and medical community ovarian cancer awareness programs through the Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Education Center.
Public donations to the organization will NEVER be used by volunteer Trustees, Advisory Board Members or Corporate Officers for salaries or personal expenses.
If you would like to become a Member of the Foundation, volunteer, share YOUR story, or financially support our efforts, please click on those words above.
Our Board of Trustees for 2024 – 2025
Kevin Nesko – Foundation Founder, President and Trustee – Kevin created this Foundation in 2022, to memorialize and honor his wife and friend of 27 years, Bridget Flynn Nesko, BSN, RN, who died on November 28, 2022 after a 17 month battle against ovarian cancer. Kevin is a graduate of Temple University and the Temple Graduate School of Business, and has a work history that includes serving in the professional and financial services sectors, and the national security field. He has experience in both organizing and serving on a number of nonprofit community oriented organizations, including the Coatesville Regional Small Business Development Program, the Citizens League for Environmental Action, and the Virginia Missing Persons Network.
Robert Nesko – Trustee and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Affairs – Robert is the son of Bridget Nesko. He was born in Philadelphia and is a graduate of George Mason University with both a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Rob has backgrounds in aviation, national defense, and mediations with a wealth of experience in both volunteer and government organizations. He currently serves in a leadership position in the U.S. military.
Gerald Hohenstein – Trustee and Vice President of Finance – Jerry spent 28 years in the Corporate Tax Departments of various pharmaceutical and biopharma companies, retiring as Director of International Tax of a major biopharma company. He has more than 35 years of increasing corporate tax experience. Jerry is from Philadelphia, PA, graduating from Northeast Catholic High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting, from Drexel University and earned his Master of Taxation from Villanova University.
Luigi Lupo – Trustee and Vice President of Operations – Luigi is a Talent Acquisition leader with over 30 years of experience in designing and implementing global recruitment strategies for Fortune 500 companies across various industries, including the healthcare sector.
Ronald Pinchick – Trustee, Media & Technology Manager – Ron is a seasoned business and community service professional with extensive experience in sales, customer retention, and leadership in multiple industries. He has a robust background in CRM similar sales, marketing and communications tools. His studies include sales and marketing at LaSalle University and Community College of Gloucester County, NJ. Ron excels in managing operations and improving processes to enhance outcomes. His skills in negotiation, risk management, and financial analysis complement his marketing and communications skills, enabling him to navigate complex environments effectively. Throughout his career, Ron has focused on team building and coaching, ensuring that his teams are well-equipped to meet their assigned goals. His experience in communications and business provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the landscape a bold Foundation like Bridget’s will face as it continues to develop.
Karen Pantello – Trustee, Advisor and Foundation Podcast Host – Karen has more than 29 years of experience working in Marketing and Communications and currently works for a large Big 4 accounting firm. Karen is a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention after losing her husband, Dean to suicide 11 years ago. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Arkansas. She also volunteers and builds houses for Habitat for Humanity. She is the proud mother of six grown children and lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Patricia Harding, RN – Trustee and Healthcare Advisor to the Board – Patty is the cousin of Bridget Nesko. She spent five years in Weybridge, Surrey England attending high school, returning to the US in 1975 where she began her nursing studies. Upon graduating in 1978, Patty began her RN career at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ in the post-open heart ICU. She has had an extensive nursing career that includes serving in the Med/Surg unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY. Patty feels it a privilege to serve as a Board Member for this foundation – a great tribute to honor her beloved cousin Bridget.
Non-Pictured ACTIVE VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Flynn, Trustee and Treasurer – Frances Russ, Trustee and Advisor, Frank Nesko, Trustee and Media Advisor – Valerie Mallon, RN, Trustee and Medical Program Advisor
We can’t do it alone. Join us. Support us. Fight with us. Act now.
Bridget Nesko Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Inc.
184 Deschler Blvd., Clayton, NJ 08312 | Tel: (856) 595 2184