Cady lives on her family farm in rural Ontario, where she grows flowers and raises her young son with her husband. Cancer has always been an open conversation in her family. When her aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and her father tested positive for a genetic mutation, Cady underwent genetic testing in her mid-20s. The results confirmed that she, too, carried a genetic mutation that put her at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

At 27, her healthcare team found concerning cells, and Cady decided to have a preventative double mastectomy. This helped lower her breast cancer risk, but she remains high risk for ovarian cancer. But with the knowledge of her genetic mutation, Cady can focus on all her priorities: growing her family and preventing ovarian cancer through surgery.

Cady is passionate about empowering women to take control of their health, encouraging others to seek more information from their healthcare professional, “Information is power and the more you know, the better options you have.”

Sarah is a dance and classical ballet instructor living in Ontario with her young family. Her story is beautifully intertwined with those of her mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and cousins—all of whom have shaped her journey. When Sarah was in her early 20s, she witnessed her mother’s diagnosis of late-stage ovarian cancer, supporting her through surgery and treatments. This experience opened her eyes to the reality of facing a cancer diagnosis.

Sarah was urged by her mother’s surgeon to seek genetic testing and grow her family sooner rather than later to be able to take risk-reducing measures. She felt directly informed by people who she trusted to take action for herself, and recalls thinking, “Maybe I don’t have to live with this. Maybe there’s a different option for me”.

Earlier this year, Sarah made the brave decision to have a mastectomy, significantly reducing her risk of breast cancer. This proactive step has empowered her to now focus on preventing ovarian cancer, allowing her to embrace life with renewed strength and optimism.

At just 25, Robin began her journey toward ovarian cancer prevention. “I didn’t have anyone my age who was worried about these things,” she shares. Her grandmother, Helen, a remarkable three-time survivor of ovarian cancer, has been a powerful influence in Robin’s life, especially since they both share the RAD51D genetic mutation.

From a young age, Robin understood that she was at high risk of developing cancer. Her grandmother has always been a fierce advocate for ovarian cancer awareness. Robin’s own mother passed away from cancer when Robin was a teenager, which has kept the importance of disease prevention close to her heart. Inspired by her grandmother’s mantra that “knowledge is power,” she embraced the challenge of seeking information to change her family’s story.

In 2023, Robin took a proactive step by consulting her doctor about preventive measures and undergoing genetic testing. Learning more about her mutation eased her concerns about the future. With her medical team outlining the next steps for when she reaches her 40s, Robin remains hopeful and optimistic, ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead.