All women living with ovarian cancer, their family, friends and caregivers, fundraisers, and supporters are welcome to attend. And registration is free. In addition to showcasing an exciting line up of speakers, the Symposium will also provide a space for women living with the disease to build relationships and support one another.
On World Ovarian Cancer Day, and every day, we are powerful together.
Register today
Saturday, May 8, 2021
10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT
Exhibit Hall opens
8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET
Powered by Impact
Featuring: Elisabeth Baugh, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada; Annwen Jones, Chief Executive, Target Ovarian Cancer; Michel Brunet, Volunteer Board Member, Ovarian Cancer Canada; and more
Moderated by: Mapy Villaudy, Vice-President of Marketing, Communications and Development, Ovarian Cancer Canada
Members of the community share their stories and firsthand perspectives on the life-changing work of Ovarian Cancer Canada. Hear how our vital community of support, informative programming, and exciting research initiatives are directly affecting the journey with this disease.
8:35 a.m. PT / 11:35 a.m. ET
Panel discussion: Powered by Impact
Panelists: Erin Barrett, Teal Sister, Vice-Chair of the Board, Ovarian Cancer Canada; Jennifer Beauchesne, Community Event Organizer, Co-Founder, Beau’s Brewery; Stephanie Hay, Walk Captain, Team Shaunshine, Community Fundraiser
Moderated by: Jesse Wiesblatt, Community Engagement and Events Associate, Ovarian Cancer Canada
A panel of community members discuss what inspires their heartfelt commitment and support of this mission, how they’ve decided to give back, and why it’s imperative to help women living with ovarian cancer, and those at risk for developing the disease, live fuller, better and longer lives.
9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Exhibit Hall / Break
9:10 a.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. ET
Ovarian Cancer Canada's OvCAN initiative: Advancing scientific discoveries
Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Senior Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Corinne Boyer, Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research
Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Chair of the OvCAN Governing Council, discusses the goals of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s multimillion-dollar OvCAN initiative, from developing new research models to testing novel treatments to initiating clinical trials. She also shares her firsthand accounts of the collaborative spirit of scientists and oncologists dedicated to improving the lives of women with ovarian cancer, and exciting progress to date.
10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET
Meet the OvCAN Patient Partners in Research
Panelists: Anne Chase, Patient Partner in Research; Shannon Kadar, Patient Partner in Research; Julee Pauling, Patient Partner in Research
Moderated by: Donna Pepin, Patient Advisor, OvCAN Governing Council and Co-Lead, Patient Partners in Research; Talin Boghosian, Research Associate, Ovarian Cancer Canada
Part of what makes OvCAN unique is inclusion of Patient Partners who help inform research by bringing a personal perspective and lived experience. This way, research is informed by the deep insights and values of the very people it is intended to benefit. Patient Partners discuss their involvement and what it’s like to be at the decision table.
10:45 a.m. PT / 1:45 p.m. ET
Movement moment
Stretch and flex during an exercise break led by Inspire Health.
11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Meet the next generation of ovarian cancer researchers
Panelists: Ainhoa Madariaga, Clinical Research Fellow & PhD student at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Kathy Matuszewska, PhD student at University of Guelph; Sarah Neresian, PhD student at Dalhousie University; Noor Shafka, PhD student at Queen’s University
Moderated by: Dr. Alicia Tone, Scientific Advisor, OvCAN Project Manager, Ovarian Cancer Canada
From labs and hospitals across the country, young scientists who are working towards careers in ovarian cancer research discuss the promise they see ahead and why they are passionate about the study of ovarian cancer.
11:45 a.m. PT / 2:45 p.m. ET
Initial findings from the Every Woman Study: Canadian Edition
Cailey Crawford, Vice-President of Programs and Policy, Ovarian Cancer Canada; Dr. Alicia Tone, Scientific Advisor, Ovarian Cancer Canada
In Fall 2020, more than 500 Canadians diagnosed with ovarian cancer shared their personal experiences as part of the Every Woman Study: Canadian Edition. Focused on the lived experience of ovarian cancer, this survey aims to shine a light on the strengths and opportunities that exist in the healthcare system. Hear about initial findings and how results will help ensure that women across the country can benefit from the best available care, regardless of where they live.
12:15 p.m. PT / 3:15 p.m. ET
Time to laugh
Karen Mills, Teal Sister, Comedian
Prepare to be amused by comedian Karen Mills. Following her ovarian cancer diagnosis, Karen was determined to turn her pain into punchlines. Having toured nationally for over 25 years, she’s inspired to share her humour and positive outlook with others far and wide.
12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Healthy eating for Teal Sisters
Geremy Capone, Wellness Chef, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Stephanie Gladman, Registered Dietitian, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Registered dietitian Stephanie Gladman and wellness chef Geremy Capone of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre showcase their favorite nutrition resources and culinary skills. Find out about healthier eating practices and learn how to manage some of the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.
1:20 p.m. PT / 4:20 p.m. ET
Cockteal hour
Meet your fellow Symposium attendees. Join a session of interest to you and connect for a conversation.
1:50 p.m. PT / 4:50 p.m. ET
World Ovarian Cancer Day Symposium closes
Download or print the agenda [PDF]