Meet our Run Directors
Our Run Directors are more than event organizers—they’re passionate advocates helping shine a light on endometriosis in communities across the country. Each brings a unique connection to our mission, whether through lived experience, as a healthcare ally, advocate, or endo ally. They work tirelessly to create meaningful, empowering events that raise awareness, build community, and fuel change and we are beyond grateful for their dedication and passion! Get to know the incredible people making this run possible—city by city, story by story.
Summar Bourada (she/ her) is an endometriosis and mental health advocate, having battled both illnesses most of her life. She uses her platform as a small business owner to raise funds and awareness for Canadian charities, and encourages her community to share their stories, advocate, and support each other.
Lauren Rogerson (she/her) was born and raised in Prince Edward Island and is currently living in Halifax to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in reproductive health. Her personal health journey led her to become an endo advocate and volunteer with TENC. This is her fourth year as Run Director of the Charlottetown event, and she is thrilled to be expanding maritime support to Nova Scotia this year!
Sharon Ozon (she/her) has struggled with endometriosis symptoms since she was 12 but formally diagnosed at the age of 43.
She believes there needs to be more resources available to the community to both patients and doctors
She found support online after her diagnosis in 2020 through The Endometriosis Network Canada and volunteered for her first endo run in 2024. She hopes the runs will bring more awareness to the community
Darlene Lynn-Zdarski (she/her) is a mom of three daughters and a rancher on a “funny farm” near Winnipegosis, Manitoba.
For over 20 years she has supported her oldest, Meagen, as she navigated the medical system, many incorrect diagnoses, and gaslighting to determine the cause of her pain. After extensive surgery for stage 4 endometriosis, Frustrated by the path her daughter had to take, Darlene decided to travel to Regina, SK in 2023 to attend The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo®. Inspired by what she experienced, she began volunteering in 2024 to expand the event to Winnipeg, MB and help spread awareness. Darlene is passionate about sharing her daughter’s experience, believing that it may help someone find relief from pain and suffering sooner than later.
Dr. Natasha Orr (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Research at the University of British Columbia and the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory. Her work focuses on improving medical education on endometriosis and pelvic pain.
Anna Leonova (she/her) is a PhD Candidate at UBC, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory. She explores firsthand experiences of people with endometriosis in the current healthcare environment. Ongoing personal and research experiences with the condition continuously fuel Anna’s research and advocacy passion!
Katie Luciani (she/her) has been a passionate advocate for the Canadian endometriosis community since 2014. After living with symptoms from age 11 and finally being diagnosed at 27, she's fiercely committed to making sure no one feels alone on their journey. When she’s not championing change, you’ll find her hiking with her partner, kids, and pup, bingeing podcasts and documentaries, or rewatching The Sopranos like it’s brand new.
