My story begins in the pool, where I was swimming with a local masters swim club. In July of 2021 I found myself struggling for air after each lap. There were good reasons for feeling out of shape: loss of fitness due to pandemic restrictions on pool time; work commitments; getting old... I wondered if I had developed asthma or an allergy to chlorine. My GP thought the latter made sense, but suggested I get an X-ray of the lungs, just to be certain. This is when the X-ray technician informed me there was a plural effusion in the right lung, and that I might want to visit the emergency. A few days later the cytology pathology report on the pleural fluid diagnosed a high grade ovarian/uterine serous carcinoma (stage 4).

It has been quite an adventure since then. Shock, disbelief, and sorrow were followed by gratitude for living in a country where one has access to medical help, no matter one's circumstances, and gratitude for the gifts of friendship. I do not feel alone thanks to the kindness of friends and family.

Today, thousands of Canadians with ovaries are living with ovarian cancer and another 3,000 will be diagnosed this year.

Each woman is central to a family. Every person with ovarian cancer has people who love them. Just being there to support and honour her means everything. That’s why I’m joining the thousands of other participants 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 that champions the health and well-being of women with ovarian cancer and others at risk of this disease. Funds will be used to fund vital research, spur advocacy efforts, and provide support so that we can help women with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer live fuller, better, longer lives.

Please give generously. Together we can make a difference.