Photos by Sr. Susan Pye
Sister Peggy Flanagan is joined by her friends
l to r: Sister Marilyn Kearns, Monsignor Don Clement, Sister Peggy and MPP John Gerretsen. Sister Peggy calls Sister Marilyn, her “angel” who accompanies her to her appointments at the cancer clinic.
BY SISTER PEGGY FLANAGAN
The annual Walk of Hope in support of women with ovarian cancer and their families, was held at LeMoine Park on Sunday, September 23rd. Even though it was a Sunday morning, our event was well attended. The forecast predicted rain but we were blessed with perfect weather.
I wish to thank my Sisters, Associates, members of our Motherhouse staff and other friends, for your financial sponsorship and/or spiritual support. Because of your generosity I was able to contribute over $300. Members of ‘Peggy’s Group’ walked with me on the mini 2.5 km walk.
MPP John Gerretsen came to support us, as well as a doctor and nurse from the cancer clinic, along with their families, including their beautiful dogs. All in all, an estimated 150 participants and volunteers took part in this fifth Kingston Walk of Hope.
$15,000 was raised and will go toward research to develop an early detection screening test, ongoing education and awareness programs for healthcare professionals and the public and also fund support programs like ‘You Are Not Alone’ to help women upon diagnosis.
l to r: Donna Perry, Sisters of Providence Peggy Flanagan, Marilyn Kearns and Susan Pye. The sunflower is the official flower of Ovarian Cancer Survivors.
Almost 3 thousand women are diagnosed each year in Canada, close to half will die within five years. Early detection is difficult because the symptoms are vague and often ignored.
I would urge every woman to take time to listen to her body and talk to her doctor. If you think you, or a loved one, might have the symptoms of ovarian cancer and someone does not take your concerns seriously, be persistent and find someone who does. Knowledge is power.
Check out www.ovariancanada.org
The disguised blessings on this journey are the many beautiful folks one meets on the way. Personally, I am living well most of the time with this chronic disease and I have much for which to be very grateful. As friends remind me, “God is good ALL the time!”