Liz
It’s about hope and relationships
“There is a solution out there and we have to keep going after it.”
This is why Liz MacDonald became a financial supporter and a member of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Sunflower Monthly Giving Program. “Once I learned about what Ovarian Cancer Canada was doing in terms of awareness, education and research, I wanted to get involved,” says Liz. “It’s just impacting so many women, and with the monthly giving plan, it’s easy. I don’t have to think about it or remember to do it. For many people, it’s a good way to spread out the cost. And the tax receipts are organized – you don’t have to hunt them down.”
Liz first learned about ovarian cancer when her aunt, Pat McDonald of Halifax, was diagnosed with stage IV disease in 2002. “As my Aunt Pat went through her journey, she began to share more and more information,” recalls Liz. After Liz’s best friend lost her mother to ovarian cancer, “it was a big wake up call for me personally having been impacted by the disease with both of these women.”
A devoted Ovarian Cancer Canada volunteer with the Listen to the Whispers and Survivors Teaching Students programs and the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, Pat represents survivors on the organization’s Board of Directors.
Liz remains committed to her personal connection as a donor. “By giving monthly, it makes me feel like I have a relationship with the organization. I get the newsletters and emails. It’s such a hopeful message. And it makes me feel good that I’m making a difference and helping people.”
The Monthly Giving Program allows Ovarian Cancer Canada the opportunity to plan its awareness, education and research programs more effectively and efficiently. “This year, our business plan focuses on increasing research funding and expanding the reach of our programs at the community level,” says Tammy O’Dwyer, National Director of Development.
Our bilingual Telephone Education Series (now replace with our webinar series) is providing helpful information to more women and their families living with ovarian cancer than ever before, and our awareness message about the signs and symptoms of the disease continues to reach thousands more Canadians each year.