This Sunday September 12 is Ovarian Cancer of Canada’s (virtual) Walk of Hope for Kingston  Ontario.  

Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) is the only national group advocating on behalf of women who  suffer and survive ovarian cancer in Canada. Its support of research has provided important  progress in the treatment and quality-of-life of these women. 

Ovarian Cancer remains a deadly disease affecting women of all ages. The statistics surrounding  ovarian cancer are alarming. One out of every two Canadian women diagnosed won’t live to  see another five years and survival rates haven’t significantly improved in 50 years.  There is no conclusive diagnostic test --- it is rightly called the disease that WHISPERS as the  symptoms, VAGUE FEMALE COMPLAINTS, are often not accurately diagnosed at their outset.  These symptoms (such as unusual bowel activities, appetite loss and getting full quickly, and  abdominal bloating & discomfort) which last longer than three weeks should be brought to the  attention of a health care practitioner. As with all cancers, the earlier the disease is diagnosed  and treated, the more successful the outcome. 

Among other initiatives, the Kingston chapter of OCC provides educational presentations to  community groups as well as staffing awareness/educational displays at every opportunity. OCC also endorses our local/regional Support Group, the “Ovation Circle”; and a  Family/Caregivers support group. 

Founded in 2002, the OCC Walk of Hope (WOH) is the largest and most powerful annual event  of its kind in Canada. It is the only Canadian fundraiser which directs all attention and funds  towards assisting and supporting women with ovarian cancer and all women at risk of the  disease to live fuller, better, longer lives.  

Kingston has been a site for the annual Walk of Hope since its early years --- we are amongst 35  cities in Canada walking together. For its size, the Kingston community has proven itself to be a  generous donor to this cause. 

On behalf of all women in Kingston who are living with the most fatal women’s cancer, or at  risk of this disease, we hope that you will help us highlight the 2021 Ovarian Cancer Canada,  Walk of Hope on Sept. 12th. Even as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, the  OCC community is focused on raising much needed funds to ensure continued progress against  this disease. 

The safety of all is of utmost importance, and consequently, OCC has decided to go virtual again  this year. Registrations are still being accepted and participants can walk a route of their 

choice to show support for this important cause. Rather than our usual Kingston region GROUP  event, we are encouraging individual and bubble-team participation. For those that wish to do so, our small Kingston WOH Committee will be at Lake Ontario Park from 10:30 – 1:30 on walk  day to cheer on participants. 

 The Walk will certainly look different as we restrict ourselves to our own spaces, gathering  our teams in unique and safe ways, but still remaining connected by our single goal --- we walk  because women with ovarian cancer deserve better. 

PLEASE WALK WITH US IN KINGSTON ON SEPTEMBER 12th.