Kim and Alice Stone.

Alice (Istock) Stone spent most of her childhood summers at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS), fully earning the moniker of “camp kid.” Her father, Dr. Conrad Istock, was a longtime instructor at the Station, and like many faculty members, he brought his family to UMBS year after year. Alice became close with the other camp kids, and they would often use the Station’s volleyball court as a central base of operations for their activities and adventures.

Alice eventually got married, moved to Tucson, and enjoyed a successful career as a biomedical scientist and registered nurse – but always looked fondly on her time at UMBS.

“One of Alice’s favorite places was the University of Michigan Biological Station,” says husband Kim Stone.

Another relic of her upbringing at UMBS - Alice was an avid hiker and loved spending time outdoors.

In 2017, at the age of 52, Alice died, seven years after her diagnosis of Stage 3B Ovarian Cancer (in between remissions, she managed to obtain her Masters of Nursing degree and Registered Nurse certification). In the wake of this tragic loss, Kim knew he wanted to do something special in Alice’s memory. The heart of the Biological Station seemed just the place to do it.

“The volleyball court was a gathering place for all attendees - not just people playing volleyball but for other numerous activities,” says Kim. “Over the years the court had fallen into disrepair, and after discussions with the camp staff, fellow campers, and retired faculty members, building a new volleyball court seemed like the perfect idea to remember Alice and what she meant to all of us, and add a valuable function to the Station.”

Breaking ground for the new volleyball court (September 2018).

Kim created a GoFundMe page, and Alice’s family and friends sprang into action. With the help of UMBS Associate Director, Karie Slavik, it was not long before the funds were raised and preparation for the upgrade began. In late September 2018, demolition was underway.

“The new volleyball court would not have happened without all the generous donors, and of course Karie riding shotgun over the entire process,” says Kim.

In addition to honoring Alice at UMBS, Kim and a group of ovarian cancer survivors regularly speak to 3rd year medical students to raise awareness about potential symptoms.

UMBS staff works with a construction crew to pave the new court.

“Ovarian cancer is a sneaky disease that gets misdiagnosed many times until it is advanced,” he says. He recommends www.ovarian.org for more information.

Thanks to Kim and all who contributed, the new volleyball court will be open for business come spring term 2019. The much-needed upgrade represents Alice's abiding love for the UMBS community, in hopes that the volleyball court will continue to be a gathering place for many summers and camp kids to come.