Dear Friends,

My name is Laura. In February 2022, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a shock because I didn’t have any of the symptoms that are associated with cancer. Without pain, weight loss, fevers or fatigue, my family doctor brushed off the lump in my belly as a harmless fibroid and saw no rush in booking a CT scan. I waited five months. Within a week of the scan I was booked for a complete hysterectomy and chemotherapy treatment.

Through surgery and six months of chemo with the amazing team at BC Cancer Agency and the Sechelt Hospital, I started to learn more about women’s cancers and the struggles researchers face securing funding.

There are many types of ovarian cancer, but only one treatment for all. There is simply no money dedicated to different and effective treatment protocols. Ovarian cancer often strikes women of menopausal age, and doctors are known to dismiss symptoms of fatigue, bloating and irregular cycles to age. Ovarian cancer does not show up on your yearly PAP or basic bloodwork. (For more information, www.ovcare.ca is a great site).  Simply, women have to listen to their bodies, and have to insist that action is taken. We know better than any doctor when something is wrong.

Our approach to the last two years has been one of hope and happiness. We seek out joy every day, and when we started thinking of how to give back, we built the Wear Your Happy Shop. The goal is wearable happiness, a chance to spread love and laughter while raising money for women’s cancer research.

It’s a tiny step, but if you share this link, we can bring awareness to early detection of ovarian cancer. Thanks to my oncology team, treatments continue to go well. As Michelle always says, when you wake up, put your feet on the floor and say “It’s going to be an amazing day”.

Lead with love. Fight for joy. Find your happy.