5 Canadians who positively impacted the ovarian cancer community
Celebrating the 2024 Peggy Truscott Award recipients
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 goal was to bring women living with ovarian cancer together so they met others who could relate to their experiences and find support. Today, the Walk of Hope 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 2024 recipients:
Tiffany Morin
Western Canada
Tiffany Morin is a passionate advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and fundraising, demonstrating exceptional leadership in the Calgary Walk of Hope, where she has captained her team for three years. With a strong presence on social media, she raises awareness and funds while sharing her personal journey with ovarian cancer. Tiffany’s commitment extends beyond fundraising — she plays a key role on the organizing committee for IllumiNite and the Calgary Walk of Hope. As a member of the Patient Partners in Research Team (PPIR), Tiffany uses her experience as a patient to guide research and strategic planning. Her dedication to supporting the ovarian cancer community, both through advocacy and research, makes her a true champion.
Deb Clark
Saskatchewan
Motivated by the ovarian cancer diagnoses of both her mother and mother-in-law, Deb Clark is a passionate advocate for Canadians facing this disease. She draws inspiration from her mother’s active role as a supporter, advocate, and fundraiser, as well as from the women in her local support group, Saskatchewan Ovarian Cancer Survivors (SOCS). Deb’s deep commitment to raising awareness of the disease is reflected in her strong volunteer spirit. She has been instrumental in building and expanding the ovarian cancer advocacy community in Saskatchewan. Living each day with gratitude, Deb is a vocal champion for the eradication of ovarian cancer.
Sue Sage
Ontario
Sue Sage is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), providing crucial support to individuals affected by ovarian cancer. As a person living with ovarian cancer, she fosters understanding and encourages open dialogue between patients their healthcare team with her calm and empathetic approach. Sue has made a significant impact as a peer-to-peer support volunteer, offering guidance and reassurance to those facing a diagnosis or recurrence. Her involvement in OCC’s initiatives, including programs like OVdialogue and Teal Tea support groups, has greatly strengthened community engagement. Sue’s compassionate and reliable support has been life-changing for many, offering hope during some of the most challenging times. Her selfless contributions make her a deserving recipient.
Brian Kotler
Quebec
Brian Kotler’s journey with Ovarian Cancer Canada is a heartfelt tribute to his late sister, Donna, who passed away from ovarian cancer. In her memory, Brian leveraged his passion for music and connections in the Montreal music scene to organize fundraising events featuring soul and R&B artists. These events not only raised crucial funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada but also brought together diverse communities, particularly Montreal’s Black communities, to raise awareness. Motivated by his personal experience, Brian is dedicated to ensuring that others don’t have to endure the same loss, inspiring change and supporting the cause.
Dr. Melanie Keats
Atlantic Canada
Dr. Melanie Keats is a passionate advocate for Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), deeply involved in raising awareness, supporting research, and empowering the ovarian cancer community. Dr. Keats, a researcher in exercise oncology at Dalhousie University, has generously shared her story of living with ovarian cancer at numerous OCC events, including the Walk of Hope, National Symposium, and various fundraising campaigns. Despite facing her third recurrence, she continues to champion the cause, inspired by the resilience of those impacted by ovarian cancer. Her personal experience with cancer and peer support has shaped her dedication to ensuring no one faces the disease alone and to advancing research for better treatments and a cure for the disease.
The Truscott family
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of you for your incredible contributions to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and supporting those living with the disease. Your efforts to further the work that our mother, Peggy Truscott, began so many years ago are inspiring.
Our mother was passionate about advancing research to help with the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer and believed deeply in the importance of connecting women affected by the disease. The community she helped create was one of support, strength, and shared understanding — and your continued work ensures that this community keeps growing, offering hope and solidarity to so many.
As we reflect on her legacy, we are humbled by the spark she ignited. While she started something powerful, it is because of people like you that her vision for a world where ovarian cancer is better understood, and women are better supported continues to grow
We want to express our deepest thanks for your ongoing commitment to research, advocacy, and community-building. Your work is helping to change lives, and we are forever grateful for your efforts in advancing these critical causes.”
– The family of Peggy Truscott