On November 3, 2011, the course of my life changed forever, that was the day I was told that I had ovarian cancer. Over a decade later I consider myself extremely fortunate to be alive and to be in remission from this devastating disease. Each year an estimated 3,100 Canadian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, meanwhile an estimated 1,950 will die from it.

There’s no question that ovarian cancer research is significantly underfunded and that action must be taken to develop better treatments. Compared to most other cancers, scientific progress in the field has been agonizingly slow, more than half of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer still die within five years. Like many others who have battled the disease, I dream that perhaps one day soon there will be a test that can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. The majority of women are currently diagnosed after the cancer has spread beyond their reproductive system. 

When I was first diagnosed I felt like my world was spinning violently out of control, but now I sometimes feel a sense of power, combined with courage and self-assurance. The positive news for women such as myself is that that there is ongoing research in many new areas, such as immunotherapy. This gives renewed hope to many of us who are already living with ovarian cancer or facing a recurrence.

Just being able to support and honour all of us who have this disease means absolutely everything to me. I'm happy that this year's Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope will once again be in person. The 2022 walk will be special, The event always celebrates the hope I carry with me every day – the hope for a future without this disease.

I ask that you please show your support by giving generously. Together we can make a difference.