Inaugural Run for Ovarian Cancer

Spearheaded by stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor Dominique Dagenais and her son Maxime Joly-Smith, the Cedars Cancer Foundation is hosting the first Run for Ovarian Cancer on Sunday, October 16th, in the Town of Mount Royal. Funds raised will be used to support the building of a mobile unit – the first in the world – to facilitate the testing of women for ovarian cancer.

 
“Through their research Dr. Gilbert and her team have shown that the killer form of ovarian cancer does not start in the ovaries, but often begins in the Fallopian tubes. The key now is to ensure early testing, which is why the mobile unit is so important,” says Joly-Smith, the Race Director. “The mobile unit, which will be equipped with an ultrasound machine and blood test facilities, will travel across Montreal to community centres, shopping centres and similar venues, allowing women to have access to testing closer to where they live and work and reduce waiting times,” adds Dr. Gilbert.

 
The testing for ovarian cancer is a two-step process. During the first visit to the mobile unit, patients will meet with an experienced oncology nurse and have an ultrasound and blood test. Women will then return six weeks later for a second blood test. The mobile unit will be overseen by the existing DOvEE team, which already manages six satellite clinics and have seven years’ experience of diagnosing this difficult disease early.

 
In January 2015, Dominique Dagenais, received the unexpected and devastating news that she had ovarian cancer. Commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because there are few to no symptoms, Dagenais received the diagnosis after a routine operation. Within weeks she underwent a hysterectomy followed by weeks of chemotherapy. Despite a stage 3 diagnosis, Dominique beat the odds and is now in remission. She and her son launched the Dagenais Joly-Smith Fund at the Cedars Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and support the early diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Their plan is to make the run an annual event.

 
The run will begin in Danyluk Park at 9 a.m. and circle through the heart of Town of Mount Royal. Participants have the option of taking part either in a 2km run or walk, or alternatively a 5 or 10k run. The cost to participate ranges between $40-55 depending on the length of the race. Volunteers are welcome.

 
Runners and walkers encouraged to register for October 16th Event
For more information and to register, please visit:
www.cedars.ca/cedars/en/news_and_calendar/calendar?eventid=693
To learn more about the Cedars Cancer Foundation: www.cedars.ca