Today, thousands of Canadian women are living with ovarian cancer and another 2,800 will be diagnosed this year.

Each of these women is central to a family. Every one of these women has people who love her.

I first got to know Margie in the spring of 2008. I was offered a posting to NYC. It was all very exciting....after all NYC is NYC. However this was going to be the first posting for me with my family in tow and I was worried. My three children, aged 8,10 and 12 had never lived anywhere but Alta Vista and had only ever attended the local public school. My husband was going to be giving up his hard won career to follow me......in whatever adventure awaited. I had no idea what to do or what to expect. I believe it was actually Karen who told me to call Margie - a fellow mother of three who had made sacrifices in her career for her family-- and ask her for her impression of NYC for kids --school, extra curricular activities, costs. I am so glad I did -- it was the start of a wonderful friendship! Margie immediately understood where I was coming from. She gave me tons of valuable information on schooling, and neighbourhoods...as well as all kinds of background information on what to expect when I arrived in the office. Thanks to Margie our transition to NYC was so smooth! For fellow foreign service officers..you know that a posting won't go well if your kids and your spouse are not happy. They loved the school and the Upper West Side just as Margie assured me they would.

The Program Manager in NYC , Charles Godfrey, retired shortly after i arrived but I remember him saying to the staff upon his departure that when one goes on posting, it is your family that gets to discover the city or country where you are posted and yes you have some interesting adventures but in reality the memories of the posting that stay with you are the ones that you create with your staff within the office walls. Margie played a huge role in my first year in NYC and helped to shape the wonderful lasting memories I have of my NY adventure. During the many hours we spent in the office, Margie not only shared her love for the job and her vast knowledge of our immigration program, but she shared her love of life, filled with family, friends, culture and ...don't forget..good fun!! In between work permits, temporary resident permits and HR issues, Margie loved to share stories about her kids....the good, the bad and the ugly......we shared all sorts. Daniel, Thomas and Suzie were like older versions of my children and it was wonderful to hear how they successfully navigated the problems associated with changing schools, and countries throughout Rob and Margie's postings. I personally don't have many friends who have three kids..never mind ones that have lived through and survived the craziness of life as third country kids.

Margie was an avid reader and book club lover. She invited me to all her book club meetings and if I couldn't attend the meetings.....she brought the book club to me. Many an afternoon we would spend our lunch hours discussing books. To this day...one of my favourite authors is Geraldine Brooks......whose books Margie introduced me to!

During lunch breaks, Margie introduced me to some of her favourite haunts in NYC. We would often skip out to Athroplogy where Margie was always able to find exceptional bargains to add to her striking and elegant wardrobe or a treasure for her home..whether it be her NY pad or her home in NS. She showed me where to go for the best food in NYC..whether it was burgers, scones or oysters....she knew the best places to enjoy the culinary diversity of NYC.

I was sad to see Margie return to Ottawa in 2009 but we kept up our friendship through phone calls and emails. We would always meet up for lunch whenever work would bring me bak to Ottawa. Distance never made a big difference.

Margie's vibrant approach to life was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her energy and joie de vivre was infectious. She faced her personal challenge with cancer in the same dynamic fashion she approached everything in her life. She even organized an unprecedented fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer research in Halifax, raising over $100000. Not surprising in the least....if you knew Margie.

Margie -- your radiant smile and welcoming charm...brought sunshine into my life. I miss you.

Just being there to support and honor her means everything. I wish I could say that Margie was the only person I know who has been touched by this cancer. Unfortunately there are many other mothers, sisters, friends, partners.....that’s why I’m participating with thousands of others 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 entirely dedicated to this important cause. Funds will be used to provide support, increase awareness, and fund vital research so that we can change the future for the women we love.

Please provide your support by giving generously. Better yet, if you are up for a challenge this September, come out and join me. Together we can make a difference.