In 1999, Peggy Truscott was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Three years later, she organized the first ever Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in Toronto, Ontario. Her hope was to bring the community together so that women living with ovarian cancer would be able to gather and meet others who could relate to their experiences. Today, the Walk has grown into the largest event of its kind in the country and is held annually in many cities and towns across this country.
The Peggy Truscott Award was created to honour outstanding volunteers who are making an impact in the ovarian cancer community, just like Peggy. We are excited to announce the 2023 recipients:
Pauline Joly de Lotbiniere
Western Canada
“We, as individuals with ovaries, deserve better.”
After her ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2021, Pauline channeled her determination into the Walk of Hope, where she shared her personal story and raised awareness about the disease. She joined OCC’s Patient Partners in Research Program, and as an active member, demonstrates remarkable courage and passion while sharing her lived experience. To symbolize the 3,000 women expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023, Pauline set a personal goal and hiked a total elevation gain of 3,000 metres in one day. Ovarian Cancer Canada thanks Pauline for being a true community champion.
Joanne Fisher
Saskatchewan
“I have watched too many families lose loved ones and too many women face recurrences… Enough is enough!”
As a dedicated leader and volunteer, Joanne uses her role to educate others on the BRCA mutation and importance of genetic testing and to forge a community of countless women. She is passionate about providing support for those newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Working closely with OCC, Joanne has cultivated relationships with the medical community in Saskatchewan to ensure all women diagnosed receive the support they need. She actively participates in the Walk of Hope as a committee member and has been among the top fundraising teams for several years. We thank Joanne for her heartfelt advocacy for those affected by the disease.
Sylvie Halde
Quebec
“Research is our ultimate hope.”
Sylvie is passionate about advocacy and research initiatives: as an engaged Patient Partner in Research, she contributed immensely to informing the direction of patient-centred scientific progress. A strategic thinker with a forward-looking perspective, she speaks with clarity, conviction, and great compassion. Sylvie is consistently engaged in the cause, to ‘advocate on behalf of the women that can’t be with us, to advocate for themselves’. Ovarian Cancer Canada is grateful for her dedication to highlighting the importance of each women’s individual story and lived experience.
Peggy Pickett
Ontario
“Demand better. Better science. Better care. Better outcomes.”
Peggy has shared her experiences far and wide, leading game-changing conversations with researchers and in classrooms throughout her years of commitment to this cause. Since her diagnosis a decade ago, Peggy has been committed to improving outcomes. As one of the founding members of OCC’s Patient Partners in Research program, she has helped shape the next generation of clinicians and researchers. By openly sharing her ovarian cancer journey, Peggy raises awareness about the importance of self-advocacy. We are in awe of Peggy’s dedication and selflessness to give those at risk of the disease the knowledge and tools to advocate for the best possible care.
Linda Brown
Atlantic Canada
Linda embodied the urgency this cause demands, helping to shape OCC’s work for providing the best possible care for ovarian cancer patients regardless of their ovarian cancer type, age, postal code, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, or socioeconomic circumstances. As a fierce ovarian cancer advocate, Linda was a Patient Partner in Research, taking her role seriously and stayed well-informed on the latest research taking place within Atlantic Canada. She cared deeply for others, and her courage to speak up and advocate for vulnerable groups was truly motivating. We remain inspired by Linda’s passion and purpose, and it was truly an honour to work alongside her.
Do you want to volunteer for Ovarian Cancer Canada, or start a fundraising event of your own? There are many ways you can raise the teal flag high from joining the Walk committee in your community to creating an event in your hometown.