[2022-08-08] Annual cancer fundraising walks 2022
Tonight, I registered for annual walks to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Canada and The Terry Fox Foundation. As a two-time cancer survivor who has returned to good health after treatment, I feel privileged to be able to participate in these annual fundraising activities.
While I've documented my cancer journey in great detail through this blog and previously explained why I've chosen to support these charities, allow me to share a few reasons why donations to ovarian cancer in particular and cancer in general are so helpful, using my story as an example. Like the vast majority of ovarian cancer patients, I was diagnosed late in the disease's development—in my case, at stage 3C. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are so generic and show up so late in the game that the disease has often progressed to other organs by the time it is discovered. Research is needed to detect ovarian cancer sooner to improve the prognosis for patients. And, of course, research is needed to develop better treatments to extend the lives of those of us with the disease.
The second cancer I faced—perianal skin cancer—was completely new to me: I had not heard of it before my diagnosis. For this cancer and others, research could lead to treatments that are more targeted, so that patients don't need to undergo painful therapies such as radiation.
And I'm not alone: 2 in 5 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, which means that many people will be affected, directly or indirectly, by the disease.
Both the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope and the Terry Fox Run are back in person this year, though participants can still opt to walk a path of their choosing. For my part, I look forward to joining my fellow cancer survivors, their supporters and people who walk in honour of loved-ones lost to the disease.
As I wrote last fall, I've decided to focus my fundraising efforts on these two walks, both in September. To all who enjoy my daily reflections in Jenesis, I invite you to make a donation of any size to either cause through my fundraising pages:
The Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope will take place on Sunday, September 11. The Ottawa walk will depart from Andrew Haydon Park at 3127 Carling Avenue in Nepean.
The Terry Fox Run will take place on Sunday, September 18. The Kanata-Ottawa West Terry Fox Run will depart from the Kanata Montessori School at 355 Michael Cowpland Drive in Kanata.
I hope to see some of you there.
