Thriving with Ovarian Cancer Tiff's Story August 2024 will mark six years since I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have already lived longer with this disease than 50% of people who receive this diagnosis. Over these six years, I had three and a half years as NED (No Evidence of Disease), but in January 2022 I officially had a recurrence of the cancer and have been living with it ever since. The type of rare ovarian cancer that I have (Granulosa Cell Tumor) does not have a straightforward treatment protocol and thus I have been on a trial-and-error journey since I finished chemotherapy in October 2022. So far, I have tried six different hormone medications to shrink my tumors, but we have not found the right one yet. On August 8th I had surgery #4, and my oncologist removed as many of those tumors that she could find that do not want to respond to the hormone treatments. After I recover from surgery we will start fresh and see if we can find something that will keep these little suckers at bay. Despite this, I am still thriving. While living with ovarian cancer I completed my MSc degree at the University of Calgary, I switched careers and started teaching in the Therapeutic Recreation Degree program at the University of Lethbridge, I still travel and most recently visited the Amazon jungle with a dear friend, my life is full of so many great things. One of the highlights of this past year was joining the Ovarian Cancer Canada Patient Partners in Research program. I appreciate the opportunity that I have been given to advocate for more research, meet with researchers from across the country, share my story, and make a difference in my future as well as others who live with this disease. Please join me this year for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in Calgary. You can join my team: Triple T Tiff's Teal Team, or if you can't make the walk, donate at the links provided. The team fundraising goal this year is $5000 - let's do this! Your support means the world to me. It takes a strong support community to thrive with cancer, and I am doing my best to do this every day. I am so appreciative of all of my family, friends, and community members for all the support that I receive while living with this disease. Here's to finding effective treatments and seeing more people with this diagnosis thriving. Love Tiff xoxo Today, thousands of Canadians are living with ovarian cancer and approximately 3,100 will be diagnosed this year. But today - we are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Let's raise the teal flag and show our support for the women and families affected by ovarian cancer. Together, our fundraising and participation in the Walk will spur advocacy efforts to provide the best possible care, further scientific progress, and ensure that all those diagnosed know that they are not alone. That's why I'm joining the thousands of other participants at the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope. Precious lives depend on it, and the community deserves it. Every dollar I raise supports Ovarian Cancer Canada; the only national charity dedicated to overcoming this disease. Every step and every dollar create a brighter future for those affected by ovarian cancer. Please consider donating to my Walk or register to join me! Thank you for your support. It means the world to me, and everyone affected by this disease.