We're back! The race will take place on Sunday, October 20, in the Town of Mount Royal.
All proceeds from this event will be directed to the DOvEEgene Project.
The DOvEEgene Project is pushing the boundaries of ovarian and endometrial cancer screening with its new genomic uterine pap test, called the DOvEEgene test. Developed by Dr. Lucy Gilbert and her team of researchers at McGill University, the test offers a safe, minimally invasive method for the early diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers. It is the only test that can distinguish between cancer cells and non-cancer cells in pre- and post-menopausal women. With its ability to detect cancers as early as stage 1, this revolutionary test will transform the future of ovarian and endometrial cancer detection.
Dominique Dagenais, currently in remission, and her son Maxime Joly-Smith, launched a fund to raise awareness and help diagnose Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer in its early stages. Proceeds are directed toward Dr. Lucy Gilbert’s DOvEEgene Project at the Cedars Cancer Foundation.
Here is Dominique's strory, told by Maxime:
"On January 21, 2015, my mother received the unexpected and devastating diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer. Commonly referred to as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer has few to no symptoms. Therefore, her diagnosis after a routine operation came as a shock to us all.
Our family life was turned upside-down as we navigated the daunting and precarious world of a cancer diagnosis. Within weeks of being diagnosed, my mother underwent numerous tests, then underwent a hysterectomy on February 3, 2015, which was followed by weekly chemotherapy treatments.
Then, in November 2016, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was linked to the ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Her determination, courage and amazing physical fitness have greatly helped her in this battle. The support and love from her family and friends have shifted the odds in her favour.
My world crumbled after my mother’s diagnosis and re-occurance. I found myself wondering what I could do for someone who had so selflessly done so much for me. It occurred to me to start a fund to raise awareness and aid in diagnosing ovarian and endometrial cancer early.
These frightening and life changing experiences have brought me to a simple conclusion: that all women deserve a second chance at the gift called life!"
This disease needs much more attention. There are still too many women dying due to late detection and lack of education.
