Press Release - A Walk for women's health and futures
Sep 03 2019
Support, Research, and Saving Lives Remains Focus of Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope
CANADA, September 3, 2019 – September is Ovarian Cancer Month in Canada and, on Sunday September 8*, thousands of Canadians will take to their streets or parks in 35 communities across the country to raise vital funds to advance research and support programs for women diagnosed with or at risk of the disease.
Ovarian cancer is the most fatal women’s cancer in Canada – 2,800 women are diagnosed with the disease annually and five women are lost to the disease daily. But ongoing research into the disease continues to provide a source of hope for girls and women at risk or diagnosed, and the annual Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope remains the largest and most powerful event of its kind dedicated to driving change on this disease.
“We look forward to the Walk every year, not only because it generates needed funds that we invest in disease research and nationwide support programs, but also because it creates such a compelling space for belonging and solidarity for women and families affected by this disease,” says Elisabeth Baugh, Chief Executive Officer, Ovarian Cancer Canada. “It’s a fun, family-friendly event and women diagnosed often find the event to be an opportunity to connect with and receive support from the community.”
While the event is warm, positive, and energizing, local volunteer organizers and participants alike acknowledge survival rates for women with ovarian cancer are far from where they should be and many communities will also take time during their Walk to honour the legacies and memories of women who have passed from the disease.
This year there is some added cause for hope and celebration, though, following a first-ever commitment of $10 million for ovarian cancer research by the Canadian government as announced in the Federal Budget in March of this year.
“At last year’s Walk we were asking participants to join thousands of other women and advocates across the country in calling on the government to take more action on this fatal disease that had been under-funded for decades,” adds Baugh. “After years of persistently and loudly speaking up and speaking out about the disease, our call was answered. We can celebrate that achievement this year but it’s not the end of our work. Now it’s up to this community and our supporters to keep the momentum going so we can invest more dollars in research, improved care and treatment for women, and disease prevention.”
What the Walk makes possible…
Funds raised from the Walk continue to support Ovarian Cancer Canada’s online community and resource, called OVdialogue, which connects women with ovarian cancer across the country to share experiences, support each other, ask questions, and share information on a range of topics. Other resources and programs powered by these funds include webinars, community outreach events, and books like By Your Side and Still By Your Side to support women living the disease or experiencing recurrence. Ultimately, research is the only way to change the course of ovarian cancer for good and research continues to reveal more about the disease and how to treat it.
Since starting in 2002, the Walk has raised more than $27 million to provide support, increase awareness and fund vital research.
* The Walk in Charlottetown, PEI and the Walk in Ajax, ON, will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019 and the Walk in Yarmouth, NS will take place on Saturday, September 14th.
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About the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope
Founded by Peggy Truscott in 2002, the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope is the largest and most powerful event of its kind in the country. Organized in more than 35 communities nationwide, it is the only initiative that directs all awareness and fundraising to overcoming ovarian cancer. For information, visit ovariancancerwalkofhope.ca
About Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only national charity dedicated to overcoming this disease. Ovarian Cancer Canada is ensuring that women with ovarian cancer live fuller, better, longer lives by providing support, increasing awareness and funding vital research. Get involved or donate at ovariancanada.org.
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