[2022-09-11] Walk of Hope 2022
On this beautiful Sunday, my daughter and I got out for Ovarian Cancer Canada's Walk of Hope. It was our first in-person walk, after she and I—along with her brother and my sister—participated virtually last year.
As we listened to the opening speeches, Mel said, "I'm so glad you brought me to the walk." I was afraid that she might find the event a sad reminder of the life-threatening illness I face. But she didn't. She found it hopeful and positive, as did I. She admitted that she might not feel the same way if I weren't doing so well. But I am. I feel strong, positive and healthy. And I'm full of hope for the future.
We heard from ovarian cancer survivor Andrea Kent, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, a Senior Scientist with the Cancer Therapeutics Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Vanderhyden spoke of her research and thanked her research team, who had joined her for the walk. Research gives me hope that science will stay ahead of my disease, giving me and other ovarian cancer survivors a shot at a long and healthy life.
I was impressed by the young woman who decided to walk today after her mother had had a recent hysterectomy (thankfully, her mother did not have ovarian cancer). I was touched by the story of the couple who were walking in memory of the man's aunt. I was happy to see other women wearing the Teal Sisters t-shirt—fellow survivors of the disease. I was grateful for all the volunteers who made the experience so pleasant. And I was thrilled to see a friend who showed up just to say hi and to wish me well in the walk. I last saw this former colleague three years ago at my brother's funeral. He has been a constant support over the past few years.
My thanks to everyone who donated to my fundraising effort. It's not too late to donate to Ovarian Cancer Canada's Walk of Hope. I'll be back next Sunday, with a report on my participation in the Terry Fox Run.
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