Finding My Place at the Research Table: Reflections from CCOCR

Our Patient Partner Team that could attend CCOCR

Recently, I had the privilege of attending CCOCR, the Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research, in Vancouver as a patient partner.

CCOCR brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees, advocates, and patient partners from across Canada and beyond to share knowledge, discuss emerging research, and collaborate on improving outcomes for those affected by ovarian cancer.

The experience was filled with emotion, learning, meaningful connections, and more than a few tears. There were moments of hope, moments of heartbreak, and many reminders of why this work matters. There is something incredibly powerful about being in a room with people who are united by a common goal of improving the future for those diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Seeing friends and fellow patient partners share their personal ovarian cancer stories brought both pride and emotion. Our patient partner community shares a connection that is difficult to put into words. While our experiences may differ, there is an understanding between us that only comes from walking a similar path.

Many people ask what a patient partner actually does. Through my volunteer role with Ovarian Cancer Canada's Patient Partner in Research (PPIR) program, I work alongside researchers to bring the patient perspective into the research process. This can include reviewing research proposals and lay summaries, providing feedback on study design, participating in research projects from start to finish, serving on advisory committees, and helping ensure that the priorities and experiences of patients are reflected in the work being done.

As someone without a scientific background, I continue to learn with every opportunity like this. At times, the science can feel overwhelming, but each experience reinforces that lived experience has a place at the research table. While researchers bring expertise and evidence, patient partners bring perspectives that can help shape research in meaningful and practical ways.

What stays with me most are the conversations, the stories shared, and the connections made with people who truly understand the impact ovarian cancer has on patients and their families.

I left feeling inspired, hopeful, and grateful for the opportunity to contribute. I also left with a renewed sense of responsibility. Every time I share my experience, I do so not only for myself, but for others who may not yet have the opportunity or confidence to share theirs. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness, encourage conversations, and remind others of the importance of listening to and learning from patient voices.

Lived experience matters, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to share mine.

Finding Steady Ground in Seasons of Change

“We all have seasons of change — what matters is that we keep finding our way forward.”

Carrying a little extra stress lately — nothing earth-shattering, just the kind that creeps up when life gets busy and your heart is stretched in different directions.

Our oldest daughter recently moved out west. I’m so proud of the amazing woman she’s become, but we miss her deeply. Our middle daughter is backpacking across Europe — another incredible adventure and another test for this mom’s nerves. As our children get older, the stakes feel higher, and I’m learning (slowly) to manage the worry that comes with letting go.

Thankfully, our youngest is still at home — a whirlwind of energy and activity. She’s taken up competitive volleyball, and while it’s exciting to see her push herself, it’s also hard watching her navigate the ups and downs of fitting in and finding her place.

This week brings its own challenges — one is meeting my new oncologist for my first six-month follow-up since my recurrence in 2022. Change is hard, these appointments are hard. My former doctor helped save my life...twice, and now I’ll be sitting across from someone new, someone I don’t yet know or trust.

I’m grateful to have care, but these appointments always stir up more than just medical details. They remind me that while we’ve survived so much, the weight of it never fully disappears — it just shifts.

Even with all the change and uncertainty, I remind myself how far I’ve come. My daughters are building beautiful lives, partly because they’ve watched me fight for mine. And that gives me hope that we’ll all keep finding our way forward.

Here’s to another day lived and loved. 💚