Just about seven years ago, I was diagnosed with a mass on one of my ovaries. I had surgery soon after, as a precaution. In the full analysis of the mass, it was found to be cancerous. Months of chemotherapy followed, to prevent any remaining cancer cells from taking hold. Last year, five years after my final treatment, I was officially cancer free.

My story is not typical; I was luckier than many people. Most often, early-stage ovarian cancer has no recognizable symptoms, making early detection quite rare. For me, joining the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope is a way of reminding myself of how lucky I am to be here to tell my story, as well as remembering those who were not so fortunate.

Today, thousands of Canadians are living with ovarian cancer and another 3,100 will be diagnosed this year.

Each of these people is central to a family. Every one of these people has people who love them. Just being there to support and honour them means everything. That’s why I’m joining the thousands of other participants 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.

Every dollar I raise supports Ovarian Cancer Canada, the only national charity that champions the health and well-being of people with ovarian cancer and others at risk of this disease. Funds will be used to fund vital research, spur advocacy efforts, and provide support so that we can help people with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer live fuller, better, longer lives.

Together we can make a difference.