As many of you know, Ovarian Cancer has touched my family closely. My mother Valerie started her journey in 2014 after undergoing a preventative surgery, and coming out with a diagnosis was not what any of us expected. Since that day, it has been a huge learning experience for our whole family. What has made the most significant difference is the awareness of what's happening and how we can stop it. My mother was able to successfully beat cancer and access life-saving medication to prevent its return. I am thankful for the dedication of our survivors and their families who year after year fundraise to propel research forward, so we can continue to prevent and stop this disease.

After a simple blood test, I was found to be positive with the BRCA-2 gene mutation, which increases my changes of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. As a woman in her 20's, this news felt scary at first, but this fear has dissipated as I've been so well-looked after throughout my yearly screening appointments. I know my risks and I'm prepared. I wouldn't have known this information likely for a long time if it weren't for what my mother and so many other women have overcome, and I'm so thankful to have this awareness.

Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only national charity that champions the health and well-being of women with ovarian cancer and others at risk of this disease. Funds will be used to fund vital research, spur advocacy efforts, and provide support to those at risk, those living with Ovarian Cancer, as well as our incredible survivors.

Today, thousands of Canadian women are living with ovarian cancer and another 3,100 will be diagnosed this year. While we are progressing in the right direction, awareness has to be a continuous effort, which is why I choose to contribute to the Walk of Hope.

I encourage you register for the Walk and to donate to my personal page which also supports my mother's team, Val's Victorious Gals. Join us in person on Sunday September 10th at Spencer Smith Park for the 2023 Walk of Hope, and I guarantee you'll leave feeling inspired and hopeful.