Gail Elizabeth Salema (nee Aitchison) was only 42 years old when she died of ovarian cancer on March 17, 2002. She had a loving husband, two young daughters, a thriving teaching career, and an amazing community of friends and family spread across the world. Bright, spirited, a force of nature - Gail had a full life that was cut short. 

Gail’s daughters, Diane and Heather, alongside their tremendous family, are marking the 20-year anniversary of their mother’s passing by launching a campaign of remembrance and celebration for her life while raising awareness for the most fatal of women’s cancers. 

Those who knew Gail knew that she was full of energy, whip smart, and passionate about what she believed in. There was no nonsense with Gail - you always got a straight answer from her, whether you wanted it or not. Tough but fair, and fiercely competitive, she was also incredibly giving and dependable, always helping others. From her tireless dedication to her students to participating in several different research trials aimed at improving cancer treatments, it was her passion to help others, even in her own time of need.

Ovarian cancer is chronically underfunded and overlooked. There is currently no reliable way to screen for it and symptoms are often confused with other illnesses, which means it gets diagnosed late and is difficult to treat. Less than 50% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will be alive after five years. Funding and research are urgently needed to better screen for, detect, and treat this disease, as well as improve the quality of life for those living with it. Together, we can help women live fuller, better and longer lives and to hope for a future without this disease. 

Many women with ovarian cancer don’t live long enough to tell their story, to fight for a better future. Diane and Heather, along with their family and friends, want to ensure that the lives and legacies of women lost to ovarian cancer continue to have their stories shared and heard - just like Gail’s - and that hope for the future continues.

Gail’s memory lives on in her daughters as well as her granddaughter, June. And we hope that this memory inspires others to continue to raise awareness for this disease.

Campaign Initiatives
Our campaign spans beyond just this page and fundraising goals. We have events planned and scattered throughout the coming months, beginning with:

The Walk in Her Name in the UK - a goal of walking 295,000 steps throughout the month of March for the number of women diagnosed globally each year. Congratulations to Sharon and Chris for walking over 310,000 steps each!

Diane & Heather have each taken this challenge on to march in May. Cheering the girls on!

World Ovarian Cancer Day was Sunday, May 8th. The Burlington Pier was lit up in Teal to honour Gail and Ovarian Cancer.

Trivia Night on May 9th in Toronto at High Park Brewery successfully raised $926 both online and at the event! Thank you all!

Appleby College The students of Appleby College held a fundraiser and raised $791! Thank you Appleby!

To learn more about campaign events or to get involved, please contact Heather at heathersalema@gmail.com.