Beau’s 5K for Ovarian Cancer Canada is back on July 8!
On July 8, Beau’s 5K for Ovarian Cancer Canada is back in Vankleek Hill for its eighth consecutive year.
This event is inspired by Ashley Courtois (Cowan), whose friends and family started this race when Ashley was diagnosed. It started small and grew each year during Ashley’s journey which ended in 2018. To date, the event has raised over $288,000 in honour of her strength, spirit and love for running.
“Vankleek Hill is a small but mighty town. We are quick to support one another in need and that’s exactly what we did for Ashley,” says Judith Sauve, friend and community member.
This year, we’ve set the ambitious goal of raising $40,000, and your support can help get us there! Every dollar raised in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada is put to work to improve outcomes for those living with this disease, and others who are at risk. We envision a future where ovarian cancer is preventable, curable, and ultimately eradicated – and you can make change happen by giving generously.
The road where the Beau’s 5K is held renamed ‘Ashley’s Way’.
While on your walk and run, keep an eye out for the Ashley’s Way commemorative road signs that were introduced to the Beau’s 5K in 2019, a year after Ashley passed. Ashley’s legacy lives on and leads the way.
This event is suitable for all ages, and when you register you can choose a distance of 3 km, 5 km or 10 km for the Vankleek Hill location, or virtually. There are also big prizes to win! Anyone who raises $200 or more will be entered to win a half-day rafting package with Propulsion Rafting for two. And that’s not all, the top individual fundraiser will win Beer for a Year, and the top team will win a crate of 12 beers – gifted by Beau’s Brewery.
Interested in joining the run?
There’s still time to register and fundraise for this year’s event, whether as an individual or a team. There’s already so many incredible teams laced up that you can race alongside, including David Cook, Team Captain for the Ottawa Research Team.
David completed his MSc and PhD at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute from 2014-2021, doing research in Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden’s lab. He continued his postdoctoral training in Toronto and was recently selected to be an investigator at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa for ovarian cancer research.
David completed his MSc and PhD at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute from 2014-2021, doing research in Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden’s lab. He continued his postdoctoral training in Toronto and was recently selected to be an investigator at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa for ovarian cancer research.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to get back to Ottawa to start my independent research career alongside Dr. Vanderhyden. I’m excited to build a stronger presence in the patient community and with Ovarian Cancer Canada.”
Photo: David and his team at the Beau’s 5K event in 2017.
Ovarian Cancer Canada is proud to fund an Ovarian Cancer Scientist position which will enables David to complete his research on ovarian cancer at the University of Ottawa. Your donations fuel the next generation of researchers and bring us closer to the next big breakthrough.
This year, local businesses, community champions and supporters have also stepped up and generously donated items for an online auction, which you can join too even if you’re not registered to run! Bidding is open now until July 8, so look through the selection of items from vacation packages to hand-made jewellery, because there’s something for everyone and it’s for a great cause.
All registered participants will receive a race bib, a post-race drink to cheers at the finish line, temporary butterfly tattoo and a teal ribbon to wear proudly during your run in recognition of Ashley and the teal community. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal.
Ashley and her sister Shanna
A message from Ashley in 2017: “Every year this event has surpassed my expectations and I want to thank everyone who has donated, participated, and collected donations for it. I hope this has helped to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, and that by sharing my story and what to look out for, I have had some part in helping at least one woman get diagnosed earlier.”
Whether you’re walking, running, wheeling, or simply giving in honour of the event, you can fuel research in Canada, provide support to those affected and advocate for change.
Do you have an idea to rally your community? Businesses and individuals can host their own event in support of this important cause. Learn the many ways you can get involved and reach out to Ovarian Cancer Canada for more information.