Today, thousands of Canadian women are living with ovarian cancer and another 2,800 will be diagnosed this year. 

Each of these women is central to a family. Every one of these women has people who love her. Just being there to support and honor her means everything. That’s why I’m participating with thousands of others at the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.

The Walk celebrates the hope I carry with me every day – the hope for a future without this disease. Ovarian cancer is called the silent killer for a reason. You get symptoms that can be perceived as many other common health issues. There is no real test that can detect ovarian cancer early, or at all. There is the CA125 blood test which is a tumour marker. However, it is not always a sign that cancer is present. My CA125 wasn't very high, which is why they weren't exactly worried. More and more young women are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We deserve better research and science beind this cancer. We don't deserve to find out that it is 'too late' due to lack of money for research. The only reason I knew something was off is because I was blessed (YES BLESSED) with a bump on my stomach which is why I decided to go to the doctors.

On December 13, 2016, I had a tumour removed from my right ovary. The tumor was 10-12 pounds. I was told that the chances of this being cancer are 1% or less. Not even for one second did the thought of me having cancer go through my mind under the day of my post operative date. That morning, I had a gut feeling that something was wrong and I was extremely nervous. December 28, 2016 was the day my world stopped for a moment. I was told that after 3 biopsies were done, one being done by the hospital in Peterborough, and the others being done by Kingston General, and a Toronto Hospital. The look on my doctors face said it all. He didnt even have to say a word, and my stomach dropped. I was told that I would be seeing an oncologist at The Cancer Treatment Centre at the Kingston General Hospital. I visited her on January 3rd to learn that I would be having another surgery in which I would lose my ovary, fallopian tube, appendix, omentum, and lymph nodes from the lower right pelvic area. I was completed freaked out but tried my best to stay positive. I was only 21 years old at this point- which is extremely rare. Most people that are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are older than 40. It still feels pretty crazy to me. So I like to participate in walks and fundraisers in hopes of one day, nobody will have to hear the words "you have cancer." 

This year’s goal is to raise $2.1 million. Every dollar I raise supports Ovarian Cancer Canada, the only national charity entirely dedicated to this important cause. Funds will be used to provide support, increase awareness, and fund vital research so that we can change the future for the women we love.

Please provide your support by giving generously. Better yet, if you are up for a challenge this September, come out and join me. Together we can make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!