This is YEAR 8 of our participation in the Walk of Hope! This year, I have taken on a volunteer position as the Logistics Lead for the Durham Region Walk. Our organization team is excited to make this year's event a memorable one for all participants.

In July of 2009, my Mama, Beverly Harris, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. For Mama and the entire family, it was scary news to receive. However, Mama was strong in her faith and in her fight. She went on to battle and beat the cancer, only for it to continue to return. Mama fought hard, each and every time. She fought more than any woman should ever have to fight. While doing this, Mama touched and inspired the lives of so many during her journey. She gained her wings in June 2017.

For 8 years, my mother-in-law, Dora Cameron, battled cancer, including ovarian cancer. Like my mama, she was an inspiration with her outlook and her strength. She gained her wings in September 2022. Watching our two moms fight this has been heartbreaking. No woman should have to go through this.

Today, thousands of Canadian women are living with ovarian cancer and another 2,800 will be diagnosed this year. The Walk celebrates the hope I carry with me every day – the hope for a future without this disease.

Every dollar raised 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.

This year, we continue to set our "Hummingbirds of Hope" Team Goal at $1,000. We have been able to reach this goal for the past 7 years. I continue to thank everyone who has donated over the years. This year, we are just over $1,000 away from reaching a $10,000 donation over 8 years of participation. I'd love to see if we can make this goal happen, so any donation amount you are able to make will help all individuals and families living with the disease.

If you are up for a challenge on Sunday, September 8, 2024, go out for a walk to honour our moms and all those who continue to battle or have lost their lives to Ovarian Cancer. Keep Team "Hummingbirds of Hope" in mind as you walk! I chose this name because Mama loved hummingbirds. She would sit for hours in the living room, watching the hummingbirds at the feeder through the patio door. For me, they will continue to be a symbol of HOPE. Over the past years, I've seen many hummingbirds, whether real or "ornamental", which I lovingly welcome as signs from Mama that she's watching over us. My participation in The Walk is just one way for me to honour her memory.

Lastly, Lyndsey will be continuing her volunteer work with OCC as well by assisting with various jobs on Walk Day. Both her Grammy and her Grandma would be proud. Our participation is just another way which we can give back to our community and continue to educate people to help raise funds for this important foundation.

With Love! XO