You have CANCER…words we all know and hope we never have to hear. 

My journey in life was turned upside down when I heard those words two years ago. Ovarian cancer struck me like a lightning bolt out of nowhere and steered me right off the tracks. My career of 20+ years in nursing came to a sudden halt. I was the one who cared for others my whole life, now what do I do?

Today, I’m a different person, a new version of myself that I’m getting to know every day. Chemo left me with severe nerve damage to my legs and hands and I’m still learning to live with those chronic side effects. Add on the fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and anxiety, my days are wearing. 

My future weighs heavily on self-love, positive thinking, a supportive circle, a collaborative medical team, and most importantly, ongoing research. 

Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose as there are no reliable screening methods for testing and symptoms, if any, are vague. Many diagnosed will experience a recurrence or multiple recurrences, and if that day comes, considerations regarding treatment hangs on today’s research. 

Today, thousands of Canadians are living with ovarian cancer and approximately 3,000 will be diagnosed this year. 

Long-term survival outcomes for women with ovarian cancer have not changed in 50 years; 55% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die within 5 years. 

I encourage anyone facing cancer to:

• Ask questions, YOU are your own best ADVOCATE!
• Seek out a second opinion, it’s your RIGHT!
• Learn about side effects of treatment, how to TREAT and REDUCE them!
• Seek SUPPORT, you are not alone!
• Get INVOLVED and help RESEARCH make meaningful change to improve outcomes!

It’s time to pick up the pace for ovarian cancer. Enough is enough and I’m determined to improve outcomes for all those affected by the disease.

By participating and fundraising for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope on Sunday, September 10, 2023, I’m making ovarian cancer a priority. I'm funding vital research that will save lives, ensuring educational resources and support programs are available for those who need it, and fueling advocacy efforts because everyone deserves to live life to the fullest.

Every dollar I raise supports Ovarian Cancer Canada, the only national charity dedicated to overcoming this disease.

The next big breakthrough in ovarian cancer is around the corner and I’m holding onto hope. I’m asking for your support to donate to my Walk now because there simply isn’t time to wait. Together, we can improve outcomes – for good.

Thank you for your support. It means the world to me, and everyone affected by this disease.