The 16th annual Ovarian Canada Cancer Walk of Hope brought together a variety of those affected by Ovarian Cancer at West Shore Community Centre.
Kevin Couture, an ovarian cancer widower, felt the walk gave him a platform to honour his late wife.
“In 2014, my wife Marina was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and all of the people here are her friends and family,” said Couture. “She passed away in 2017, so we walk to remember and honour Marina.”
Kevin is among many who have lost a loved one to ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Canada reports an estimated 3,000 Canadian women are diagnosed every year. Approximately, 1,900 of them will potentially die from it.
Erin Barrett, chair of Ovarian Cancer Canada, is a two-time survivor of ovarian cancer and felt she needed to take a step in combating such a gruelling disease.
“Ovarian cancer is the most deadly female cancer and outcomes for this cancer haven’t changed in over 50 years,” said Barrett.
Barrett added that the keys to overcoming this disease are early prevention and research. Ovarian Cancer Canada has raised over $31,000,000 since its inception in 2006. It’s been awarded $10,000,000 in research funding from the provincial government which has led to 13 research facilities in B.C.
B.C. Premier John Horgan has attended the event every year because of how close this cause hits home.
“I’m a two-time cancer survivor myself so I can’t say enough about the work that’s being done across the country,” said Horgan. “It’s a day to celebrate but also a day to remind people that there’s more that needs to be done to protect women in our communities.”
Organizers hope with every step this event will help fund much needed research into prevention, provide support, improve treatment, and ultimately find a cure.
Mohammed Hussain
