Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside scientists, oncologists, patient partners and colleagues who go the extra km to improve the lives of women living with and at risk for ovarian cancer; I pledge to do the same.

who I am:

I am 41 years old and live in Collingwood Ontario with my husband Carl, our 5-year old son Finnegan and our cats Penny Lane and Eleanor Rigby. I like to experiment in the kitchen, ski/snowboard at Blue Mountain, watch reality tv (the trashier, the better) and squeeze in date nights and quality girl time.

In my professional life, I have been in the ovarian cancer research field for 19 years. I completed my PhD at the University of Toronto and Post Doctoral training at the BC Cancer Agency before working as a Scientific Associate at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for 7 years. In late 2019, I made the jump to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), the only national charity dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. I have dual roles at OCC, as a Scientific Advisor and Program Manager of OvCAN, our national research initiative that is identifying promising new treatments for women with ovarian cancer.

why I run:

I unexpectedly fell in love with running in Sept 2019. It gave me the courage to leave the high-stress environment of academia and jump into a new career. It provides a healthy outlet when the anxiety/depression I have lived with for 20+ years resurfaces. It makes me feel like a superhero, even on the days when it does not come easy. In essence, I have never felt so comfortable with who I am and what I can achieve.

#runforOCC 2020 - an unfortunately solo first half-marathon:

This newfound love for running led me to complete my first half-marathon in May 2020, a solo effort (#covid) except for my husband and a few close friends cheering me on. I decided to combine this personal running challenge with a fundraiser for ovarian cancer, given my long commitment to the cause. I was utterly shocked and delighted to raise more than $1800 in less than a month, including from people I had never met!

#runforOCC2021 - 50 kms in 50 hours:

I decided to push myself further this past year, running 5km, starting every 5 hours, until I reached 50km. The challenge started at 12pm on Fri Sept 24 and concluded at 9am two days later. By the end, I was exhausted, exhilarated and touched by the overwhelming support and generosity from both friends and strangers. So many women (and a few men!) came out to run alongside me, even late at night, and we were able to raise an amazing $3900 for the cause.  

2022 edition - Run for Her 31km trail challenge:

On Sept 10, 2022 I will be running a 31km route on the Bruce Trail, to represent the 3100 Canadian women diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. I am very excited to be collaborating with some incredible local companies and runners to make this year even bigger and better. So, follow along to see my progress, or better yet join me to help raise awareness and funds for this important women’s health issue :)

how you can help:

Please consider showing your support in any of the following ways:
1) Share this page
2) Virtually join me for a run or walk on September 10, for whatever distance makes you feel good. Share your outing on social + add the hashtag #runforher2022
3) Donate (every little bit helps!) 
4) Join my team, run in some beautiful trails and raise funds to help save women’s lives!

See you on the trails :)

Alicia T, scientist/mom/runner

Instagram: @aliciaatone