About the Walk
The Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope is the largest and most powerful event of its kind in the country. It is the only walk in Canada to direct all attention and fundraising towards improving outcomes and saving the lives of people living with and at risk of ovarian cancer.
Held annually during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, this family-friendly event raises vital funds to provide support, enable vital research and fuel advocacy efforts across Canada.
Participants can register to attend an in-person Walk event in their community, or register as a virtual participant, walking a route of their own choosing. Together, let’s make strides to push progress against this disease further, faster and save lives. We’re saying ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to ovarian cancer. Are you with us?
Why walk?
3000 Canadians are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Half of them won’t live to see another five years. It’s time to make ovarian cancer a priority enough is enough. It’s time to pick up the pace.
All proceeds support Ovarian Cancer Canada, the only national charity dedicated to overcoming this disease. Together, we can make even greater strides and improve outcomes. When you sign up and donate to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, you are a part of a movement, working towards changing the future of this disease.
To date, the Walk has raised over $32 million to help save lives. Improved outcomes are possible finally. But we need you to keep the momentum going.
What Your Money Supports
Ovarian cancer is the most fatal women’s cancer in Canada. One out of every two diagnosed with this disease will not live another five years. Ovarian Cancer Canada is filling a gap. We need to be here for those living with ovarian cancer today, and the 3,000 Canadians who will be diagnosed this year. We are building research capacity, unlocking insights into rarer forms of the disease, addressing urgent needs, and bringing hope to people across the country.
These are some of the initiatives powered by the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope:
Fueling the next big breakthrough in ovarian cancer research
Just 25 years ago, there were only three scientists dedicated to the study of ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Canada is earning international recognition for Canada as a leader in pioneering transformative research and discoveries. We are building research capacity, unlocking insights into rarer forms of disease, and addressing urgent needs. Now, because of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s efforts to attract leading minds to this field and provide the raw materials researchers need, Canada’s ovarian cancer research community is 250+ strong and growing. These scientists are among the most collaborative and engaged in the world.
We are spearheading ground-breaking research and are committed to a research plan that aims to advance new treatments to improve the survival of women with ovarian cancer. And we are on the cusp of bringing new treatment strategies to our community. In just three years of research, we have made many significant accomplishments:
- Funded 23 projects on ovarian cancer research models that will set the stage for future discoveries
- Six potentially transformative clinical trials underway and 13 innovative pre-clinical studies in the pipeline
- Created an ovarian cancer research consortium which consists of 250+ members
- Established a national team of 20+ Patient Partners in Research
- And we provided partial or full funding for 75+ research personnel
It’s the perfect storm when the passion of our community comes together to make this change and progress a reality. Every dollar contributes to this work and is vital to furthering our mission.
Support for Teal Sisters living with ovarian cancer and families
- OVdialogue - an online community where Canadians living with ovarian cancer can connect for advice and encouragement. Everyone with this disease even in the most remote regions of Canada can stay in touch with those whose experiences reflect their own.
- Support workshops and education symposia, free virtual events where experts from across the country share the latest information, research and developments with the community.
- One-on-one support and information - provided directly to those affected.
- Online Teal Tea gatherings for people with ovarian cancer, different subtypes and diagnosis, to come together in a safe space to share.
Research informs advocacy
Everyone deserves to live life to the fullest. This work provides evidence for points of advocacy to ensure that all people with ovarian cancer receive the best care, regardless of where they live in Canada.
Ovarian Cancer Canada’s The Every Woman Study™: Canadian Edition:
- Ovarian Cancer Canada’s The Every Woman Study™: Canadian Edition, is the most comprehensive study to date on the impact of ovarian cancer across the country. In the Fall of 2020, hundreds of participants shared their lived experience to help ensure that people with ovarian cancer across the country can benefit from the best available care, regardless of where they live. These hard facts will be used to sharpen points of advocacy as we continue to press for equitable care. Learn more.
Ovarian Cancer Canada’s State of the Nation Clinical Audit:
- Led by Ovarian Cancer Canada, the State of the Nation Clinical Audit, is a comprehensive evaluation of ovarian cancer care that collects information on incidence, prevalence, staging and survival. Data will be collected from five provinces to help identify gaps and opportunities in the system and key priorities in healthcare. Learn more.
Stopping the disease before it starts:
- Ovarian Cancer Canada’s vital work and laser sharp focus includes stopping the disease before it starts. An estimated one in five cases of ovarian cancer can be linked to genetic mutations. But knowledge of a mutation can inform steps towards preventive action, to stop ovarian cancer before it starts. To address these gaps and improve care for those at higher risk of ovarian cancer, we established a task force. Composed of clinical experts and members of the Ovarian Cancer Canada staff team, the task force is focused on exploring surgical practices across Canada and understanding the experiences of those who have received specialized care. The task force is collaborating to establish a community of practice where gynecologists and family doctors can develop expertise in genetic mutations and risk-reducing gynecologic surgery.
Rooted in the community
The Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope was founded by Peggy Truscott in 2002. Peggy wanted to create a place where families and individuals living with ovarian cancer could connect with one another, surrounded by a community of support. With truckloads of sunflowers and her loved ones in tow, Peggy started a movement.
It’s time to pick up the pace for ovarian cancer. Are you ready to walk?
Choose how you’ll be joining us! Here is how you can register:
- Choose a Walk location. If there is not a walk location near you, select your province’s virtual option as your walk location and join us from anywhere.*
- Register as an individual, start a team or join one!
Set a goal on your fundraising page and invite your friends and family to join you. The funds you raise can be gathered online or sent in by mail with pledge forms to:
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Attn: Walk
205-145 Front Street East
Toronto ON M5A 1E3
