HEALTH
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Long walk in memory of mother GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
a truck-and-trailer decorated with sunflow- ers, the official symbol of Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), Shackleton will walk 160 kilometres along the Ottawa River roads down to Hawkesbury and across the bridge in Québec and finish up in Valleyfield where her mother was interred. While she does hope to inspire some peo- ple to donate to the cause of finding a cure for ovarian cancer, the main focus for Shack- leton on her walk, besides honouring her mother’s memory, is to help raise the profile of ovarian cancer and make more people understand how it is even more subtle and insidious for women than breast cancer. “There is no screening test for ovarian can- cer,” she said. “We had thought the pap test covered ovarian cancer too, but it doesn’t. It covers cervical cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most fatal of all gynecological cancers.” The survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is about 75 per cent on average, depending on various factors, including how soon the condition is diag- nosed. Right now it depends on women being aware of the various possible symp- toms that may indicate ovarian cancer if those symptoms persist for more than three weeks. The OCC lists the symptoms in its information pamphlets and on its website and urges women who suspect they might have ovarian cancer to get a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA-125 blood test along with a referral to a special- ist. “If we could catch it early, the survival rate for ovarian cancer goes up to 90 per cent,”
Shackleton said. “That’s a significant differ- ence.” When Shackleton heads out on walk- about next week, her main route will fol- low the Old Montréal Road river route through Clarence Point, Wendover, Planta- genet, Treadwell, Alfred, Lefaivre, L’Orignal, Hawkesbury, Chutes-à-Blondeau, and St-Eugène, across the bridge in Québec through Rigaud and towards Valleyfield. “It’s not a race, not a marathon,” she said. “When mom started her chemo, she was so positive and full of determination. I re- minded her of the song by Helen Reddy, “I Am Woman”, and we used that song as in- spiration. It has become my song for inspi- ration for my walk, my pilgrimage. ‘If I have to, I can do anything. I am strong. I am invin- cible. I amWoman!’” Those interested in following Shackle- ton’s adventures can check out her weblog at www.creekshack.blog.ca. Anyone wish- ing to donate to help fight ovarian cancer can go to Shackleton’s pledge page at the Ovarian Cancer Canada’s website at www. ovariancanada.org. La Beauté de l’originalité Collection complète de stores pour habiller vos fenêtres. Verticaux - Horizontaux - Plissés - Romains Panneux coullisants - Persiennes, etc... Résidentiel et commercial Pierre 613 446 5744 Salle de montre : 3433 Gendron, Hammond
Clarence-Rockland | “Going walkabout” is an Australian expression referring to a spiritual journey or dream quest on foot. Come mid-July Lyne Shackleton is off on a week-long walkabout in honour and memory of her mother, Rita Desjardins, and her losing battle last year with ovar- ian cancer. “She was only 69 years old and the health- iest person I know,” Shackleton said. “She never even took a headache pill. My sister, Nathalie Lalumière, and I were with her through her surgery, her chemo, and, when the cancer came back, though actually it was never in remission, we were by her side till the end.” One memory of Rita Desjardins’ matter- of-fact courage about her situation sticks in the mind of her daughter. “When she knew that there was nothing the doctors could do, she started prepar- ing the clothes that she wanted to wear for the wake. She said it felt like she was going on a trip. When she passed away, my sister and I held her hand and we were able to say ‘good-bye’ and ‘bon voyage’. It was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do and I miss her so much.” Last year Shackleton took part in one of the several cancer fundraising and aware- ness walks that take place in Ottawa. Her mother had hoped to accompany her
daughter at the time but her condition erased that plan. In the end, Shackleton walked alone in memory of her mother. Now she’s going on another long walk to honour her mother’s courage and spirit. On July 15 at 9 a.m., she will depart from in front of the city hall in Rockland and, with her husband, David, following behind with
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