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Making a world of difference in Tampa Bay

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Learn About the Work of Hooked on Hope

Hooked on Hope, Inc., is a local, non-profit organization established in 2009 raising funds for uninsured and under insured breast cancer patients across all Tampa Bay Communities. This grass roots organization, managed entirely by a team of talented, dedicated volunteers, serves the breast cancer patients of Tampa Bay in a number of creative and effective ways.

The organization began when two sisters, Captain Lori Deaton Hall and Mary Ostien, could not find any fishing tournaments benefiting local breast cancer programs. So the sisters combined Lori’s expertise as a professional fishing guide and Mary’s background in oncology healthcare and education to do something for breast cancer patients in the Tampa Bay communities.

Meet the Committee

Mary Ostien, BSN, OPN

Co-Founder, Grants Chair - Treatment Support Grants Program

Mary's Bio

Mary, a resident of Clearwater, works as a Surgical Services Coordinator at the University of South Florida Tampa General Hospital Physicians Group. Since 1995, she has also held professional positions in oncology healthcare, education, and research at Moffitt Cancer Center, AdventHealth, and the University of South Florida. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Managements and is a certified Oncology Patient Navigator with the Academy of Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN).

In 2009, Mary and her sister, Capt. Lori Deaton Hall, started Hooked in Hope, Inc. The organization raises money through events, sponsorships, and general donations. Mary established and manages the Treatment Support Grants Program. Through this program, funds are disbursed year-round for living expenses, doctor office and hospital co-pays, and lymphedema garments for the breast cancer patients of Tampa Bay. Mary is grateful to have the opportunity to support breast cancer patients ‘who need help now’ and keep households running when patients are unable to work during their journey through breast cancer treatment.
As the Grants Chair, Mary leads the organization in planning and executing fund disbursement, collaborates with community healthcare leaders and stakeholders, and navigates patients through the maze of breast cancer treatment.
Mary has a grown son who lives and works in Tampa Bay. When she is not working or serving community through Hooked on Hope or other service passions, you will find her enjoying life on the golf course, at the beach, or tending to her orchids.

Mary's Bio

Captain Lori Deaton Hall

Co-Founder and Director

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Lori, owner, and operator of Ladyfish Charters is a longtime resident of Apollo Beach, Florida. For over two decades, Lori has guided anglers of all skill levels, inshore and nearshore, in Tampa Bay and its tributaries. A licensed fishing charter captain, she cherishes the opportunity to put anglers on their ‘dream catch,’ making lifetime memories for all who board her boat. Lori also serves as Director or chartered captain for fishing tournaments across Tampa Bay.
In 2009, Lori formed Hooked on Hope with her sister Mary Ostien as an event-based non-profit organization. As a talented and sought-after charter captain, she started with an annual inshore fishing tournament. The success of the event solidified Hooked on Hope’s standing in the community. Subsequently, the organization now hosts golf tournaments, clay shoots, and pamper the princess parties. In addition, Lori has developed relationships with local business partners who hold their own fundraisers and donate proceeds to Hooked on Hope. As Director, Lori manages all events, logistics, and volunteers.
When Lori is not fishing charters or raising money for Hooked on Hope, she cherishes time with her husband Capt. Brooksye Hall, her beloved dogs, River, Ruca, and Pilgram, growing orchids, and caring for her lovely home.

Lori's Bio

Christen Cowan Dowels, EMNA

Community Liaison

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Christen, a resident of Tampa, has diverse professional experience in program development, strategic planning, and fundraising. Her auditing background lends itself well to developing creative metrics to measure philanthropic return on investment where more traditional evaluation methodology is insufficient. Christen holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida State University and an Executive Masters of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
As the Community Liaison, Christen focuses on the organization’s strategic funding and planning, collaborating with healthcare leaders to serve patients, and expanding awareness about the mission. Christen is excited to apply her expertise and knowledge to help Hooked on Hope serve even more breast cancer patients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Christen enjoys spending time with her husband Antonio Dowels and family, especially their 10 nieces and nephews. She loves serving in church and in the community with the Junior League of Tampa. When she isn’t working or volunteering, she and her husband love to travel, watch football, and discover unique restaurants; all while trying to become a skilled plant lady without causing too many plants to suffer.

Christen's Bio
Hooked on Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization* EID #26-1986514

We Thank Our Partners

WHO ARE MAKING AN IMPACT TO END BREAST CANCER

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© 2022 Hooked On Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 26-1986514
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