Feats of Hope
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
At Ovarian Cancer Canada, we are continually reminded of the “ripple effect” of ovarian cancer and how people are inspired to create a community of support around the women they love who are diagnosed with this disease. Some friends and family members even undertake amazing feats of hope.
In honour of her aunt in the United Kingdom who was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at the age of 33, 14-year-old Josie Vlitos challenged herself to kayak almost 30 nautical miles around Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula in August 2007. Josie’s heartfelt act of love and support raised almost $1,500 in pledges from neighbours and friends for Ovarian Cancer Canada programs and research.
Leta Labiuk and Gerry Kennedy of Vancouver took on the challenge of a lifetime in the fall of 2007 when they attempted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at almost 6,000 metres (20,000 feet). Leta came within 750 metres of the summit and Gerry took Ovarian Cancer Canada's banner to the highest peak on the continent. Their amazing climb was in honour of two friends with ovarian cancer, one of whom had died recently. Not only did Leta and Gerry increase awareness of the disease but they raised more than $2,200 in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada's mandate.