Introducing the Pat McDonald Research Award
February 17, 2016
A champion for women living with ovarian cancer, Pat McDonald has done everything from co-chairing the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope to serving on our Board of Directors to leading Knowledge is Power and Survivors Teaching Students® awareness sessions. A veritable force of nature, she has attended nearly every event in and around Halifax, gathering a faithful following over the years.
Last September, Pat was surprised when 67 of her closest friends and family assembled en masse at the Walk. The circle of support they created was made all the more meaningful by Pat’s longstanding involvement in the event. Beyond her pivotal role in bringing the Walk to Halifax in 2004, Pat has never missed Walk day and regularly achieves standing as a top fundraiser in Canada.
Pat’s Petals at the 2015 Walk
In 2005, Pat received the Peggy Truscott Award of Hope celebrating her outstanding volunteerism in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s mission.
“This cause is where my heart is,” she says.
When Pat recently discovered her biological family and learned about their history of cancer, she saw an opportunity to educate others on the importance of knowing the risk factors of ovarian cancer. And so she did, by sharing her story as part of the awareness campaign.
“All women are at risk for this disease but the role of genetics can be particularly important,” says Pat. “Who knows how different my story might be if I had known about my genetic background.”
Honouring a hero
In recognition of Pat’s tremendous support over some 13 years, Ovarian Cancer Canada has named its key research contribution the Pat McDonald Research Award. Currently an operating grant co-funded by the Cancer Research Society, this Award enables scientists to further important work focussed on better understanding ovarian cancer, knowledge that forms the basis for prevention, improved treatments, and ultimately a cure.
“It’s with great pride that we name the Award in Pat’s honour. She has been a community champion and awareness advocate since I started with the organization in 1997,” says Elisabeth Baugh, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada. “She’s a guiding light, absolutely unrelenting in her quest to improve the journey for women living with ovarian cancer.”
Pat and her husband John recently established a special online tribute with all contributions being directed to the Pat McDonald Research Award.
Learn more or donate
Pat and her collection of Walk tees
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