My name is Anne Floyd and I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July 2022. I finished my chemotherapy in November 2022 and my tests have been clear ever since. 

By participating in the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, we are fundraising to improve research,educational resources and support programs for those who need it because everyone deserves to live life to the fullest.

 As a cancer survivor and advocate, in addition to raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada, I also want to share my story, and in particular I want to Share my HAIRstory. 

 At the time my diagnosis was confirmed, I remember asking my Oncologist two questions, “am I going to die?” and “ am I going to lose my hair?”   He answered, “everyone is going to die one day and YES, you are going to lose your hair.” While I understood that my hair would grow back, I wanted to fight the cancer while maintaining my identity. I wanted to challenge the status quo that most cancer journeys means losing your hair. 

 I researched various websites on how to save my hair and I discovered “Scalp Cooling/Cold Capping” which for certain types of chemotherapy can help prevent and/or reduce hair loss. The only option available to me at the time was to use a very labor intensive cold capping system. I was fortunate enough to save 90% of my hair through this process. 

I cannot understate the positive impact retaining my hair had on my mental health and well-being during this challenging time. It sparked a fire in me and I wanted all newly diagnosed cancer patients to know that they too could have the opportunity to reduce and prevent THEIR hair loss from chemotherapy. 

 I learned about the Paxman Scalp Cooling system which is an automated and easy to use innovative medical device that addresses chemo-induced alopecia and is widely available in many countries including the US, the UK, Australia (and countless more!). However, I learned it was only available in the Toronto-area in Canada and is not seen as a natural part of the cancer protocol. 

Another fire was sparked. I contacted Paxman and got to work bringing this medical innovation to Ottawa. 

 I am proud to share that the Paxman Scalp Cooling system is now available at the Ottawa Hospital at two campuses - the Ottawa Cancer Clinic and the Irving Greenberg Centre. 

My hope is that cancer patients are empowered by my HAIRstory and continue to challenge the status quo in their own cancer journeys. 

Thank you for supporting our Share my HAIRstory team and Ovarian Cancer Canada. 

Sincerely,
Anne Floyd