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I have a favour to ask… 

Elaine Taggart’s Story

Ottawa, Ontario
December 20, 2016

I experienced some bloating in the summer of 2015. I knew the symptoms so I immediately went to my doctor. He told me there was no way I had ovarian cancer. I had no history of cancer in my family. I hounded my doctor until he would get my blood work done. I learned I had ovarian cancer.

For all you readers, regardless of if you have ovarian cancer, I have a favor to ask. Please let my story be proof that you need to be your own advocate for your health.

I was fortunate to have had excellent support and medical care. I responded to the chemo, and after many months my oncologist told me I was in remission. Chemo is nothing like I ever had imagined. But it saved my life, so the side effects seem so minimal.

I am in so many ways grateful for this disease because I have never felt more love in my whole life. People rallied around me and I have a strong support system from my friends, my family and most importantly, my twin sister, Diana, and my husband, Keith. I’m also happy to say that I just celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary and I am doing well!

For my family, The Walk celebrates the hope I carry with me every day – the hope for a future with better outcomes for this disease. The Walk shows that ovarian cancer has a presence nationwide and so many people come together to support one another.  I want to hear survivor stories because for me, that’s hope. This is my story. 

Elaine Taggart Signature

Elaine Taggart

Elaine with Diana

Elaine Taggart (right) with her sister, Diana