Cancer changed lives of walk fundraisers
The Ovarian Cancer Walk for Hope returns to Ashburnham for the ninth year, part of a national walk happening in 35 communities across Canada.
The event is slated for Sept. 10 starting at 10 a.m., at Nicholls Oval and raises funds for awareness, research and support for people living with ovarian cancer.
“Anybody can walk. If you have been touched by cancer, we encourage you to join us,” said walk organizer Marilyn Robinson
Last year the event raised $20,000 with 110 walkers participating.
‘We want to raise $25,000 this year with 125 walkers,” said Robinson.
Diana Charlebois, 70, is a retired nurse who spent much of her career as an educator.
In January, she found herself burping a lot, which she chalked up to pre-existing acid reflux.
She noticed changes in bowel habits, constantly felt tired, had no appetite and her abdomen was distended.
“No matter what I ate, I felt full,” she said Charlebois.
Charlebois had always had a healthy, active lifestyle.
After two weeks, she knew something was wrong. “I went in to Emerg.,” she said. Medical staff had bloodwork done, as well as a CT scan.
Their suspicions were confirmed the same day. Charlebois had ovarian cancer.
“In that split second, my whole life changed. Both myself and my husband were affected,” she said.
At first, she kept the diagnosis to herself as she worked through denial and anger. Eventually, she told family members.
“It’s important to have supportive people around you, so you can talk freely and get the support you need,” said Charlebois.
Since her diagnosis in January, Charlebois has had two surgeries and is undergoing chemotherapy until September.
The mortality rate for ovarian cancer is 50 percent, and relapses are common. Most ovarian cancer patients die within 5 years.
But Charlebois has a positive outlook and is convinced she will survive this.
“You have to believe you are going to live,” she said.
Now, she wants to educate everyone to be aware of the signs for ovarian cancer.
“You need to be an advocate for your own good health,” said Charlebois.
Charlebois had all the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer. Aging is also a factor.
Unlike tests for breast cancer, there is no screening test or vaccine to prevent ovarian cancer.
“The key is to get diagnosed ASAP,” she said.
Charlebois will be walking with her team, Diana’s Dynamos and is collecting pledges prior to the walk.
Registration starts at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. with the warm up and walk beginning at 11:45 a.m.
Walkers can choose a 2.5 km route in Nicholls Oval or 5 km walk around the Rotary trail.
In addition to the walk, there will be a DJ, kids zone and a magician and the Corus Entertainment cruiser will also be there.
To take part in the walk or to donate, register online at ovariancanada.org and under the Peterborough Walk of Hope 2017. You can also collect pledges and register on site on walk day.