Powerful together: Always, and on World Ovarian Cancer Day

April 22, 2021

Spring often represents renewed hope and optimism. This year is no exception, as vaccinations to protect against COVID-19 bring us ever closer to a new normal. World Ovarian Cancer Day is on the horizon, and it’s a point of pride for me personally, as Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

The ovarian cancer movement, here in Canada and internationally, has accomplished a great deal in a relatively short span of time. Yet there’s a long way to go if we are to see progress equaling that of other health causes. Ovarian cancer continues to be an urgent issue that must be prioritized.

On Saturday, May 8, Ovarian Cancer Canada’s own World Ovarian Cancer Day Symposium takes place online, inviting you to tune in from virtually anywhere. While it’s been over a year of isolation for many, the Symposium is a special chance to connect with one another and rally towards our shared mission. You’ll hear about the impact of our work, and how leaders in the community are ramping up support.

An ovarian cancer diagnosis can lead to feelings of helplessness and a sense of losing control. For women living with this disease, the Symposium is an opportunity to empower decision making. There are sessions on nutrition and community impact, as well as laughter therapy from someone who has experienced ovarian cancer firsthand. You’ll also hear compelling updates on research made possible by Ovarian Cancer Canada’s OvCAN initiative.

Of course, OvCAN is one of the most important turning points for Canada’s ovarian cancer movement. Today a vibrant community of researchers is working around the clock to improve treatment options. To get here, it took legions of people signing petitions, teams of people affected by ovarian cancer as well as scientists advocating with us on Parliament Hill. As we reflect on taking back control, remember that prior to our community action, the federal government had never designated a single gift in support of ovarian cancer research.

Then we came along. And together, arm-in-arm, we made history.

Fast forward two years and Health Canada’s initial investment of $10 million inspired further support from the provinces of Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, as well as the private sector. While our track record is indeed impressive, our eyes are fixed on what’s next. As a community, we need to keep up the pressure. Can we count on you?

Donate now

It’s up to all of us, to rise to this challenge again and again. Because what was once a whisper turns into a roar when we join our hands and hearts. Your efforts, and your donations leading up to World Ovarian Cancer Day help propel Ovarian Cancer Canada’s mission to help women live fuller, better, longer lives.

Each dollar entrusted to ovarian cancer is put to work immediately; enabling support events like our symposia and speaker’s series, advocacy to ensure that all women living with this disease have access to the best available care, and research initiatives that are helping to extend life and reduce side effects of treatment.

Every dollar counts. We are keeping the lab lights on at leading institutions, even as other charities have been forced to scale back research dollars. Beyond this, we are bringing more programing online, building inroads to the furthest reaches of Canada to let women and families know there’s a community and dedicated team by their sides. But all this is only possible with your help.

So I invite you to join me in giving what you can to support Ovarian Cancer Canada. Each of us can do something to bring us closer to seeing our vision become reality, and by putting these efforts together - we become all the more powerful.

Powerful Together is our theme this World Ovarian Cancer Day.

Reflecting on my career in the lead up to retirement, I realize what a landmark day it was when I raised my hand to chair the first World Ovarian Cancer Day. As more and more groups embraced this seed of an idea, I knew we were starting something big.

Of course, it’s since spun into an international movement and I now chair the worldwide coalition of ovarian cancer charities working to address healthcare inequities by sharing best practices, learnings and knowledge. This work is helping countries reduce treatment delays. In low- and middle-income settings, it’s helping women to get the care they deserve, so they will no longer be turned away from hospital emergency rooms.

All together, we are blazing trails, and your support is vital to our next steps.

I’m looking forward to telling you more about the impact we’re making. See you at the World Ovarian Cancer Day Symposium on May 8.