Philanthrophy Thursday...Ovarian Cancer Canada

Today, I invite you to make a difference and support the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.

Make a difference! Support the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope!

I have been the CoChair in London, Ontario since 2011 and I can honestly say that this organization has changed my outlook on life.

me and my CoChair, Paige, in 2011

Do I have a personal connection?
Did I lose someone to ovarian cancer, the most deadly gynecological cancer?

No.

I don't and I haven't.

I got involved after having my son in 2010 as a Walk participant, then came on board as a CoChair in 2011. I soon got to know the lovely Claudia and her story struck a chord with me. Here was this beautiful woman who was an ovarian cancer survivor, roughly my age, who had undergone surgery and she lost her chance to become a mom.

My heart wept for her.

And then....the call came. She and her husband were adopting!! They are now parents to a beautiful boy and she is....gah! She is such an amazing mom!

She is my reason for being so heavily involved and for wanting to educate every woman that I come in contact with about ovarian cancer.

Whether you donate, volunteer, register as a virtual walker, or get involved with corporate matching, your support to save a life is need and SO appreciated!

World Ovarian Cancer Day

I am still reeling from how amazing May 8th, World Ovarian Cancer Day, was for us in London, Ontario.

You see, I had this vision that our skyline would be lit up with teal lights at night. I knew in my heart that the city could rally behind this idea, but when I actually saw it in person...wow!

City hall was a glowing display of teal and it was absolutely amazing to see! The North Tower at our hospital was also teal for the day.

And yes, I am already planning for May 8th, 2014! Now that we know what we can do with lighting, why not involve the tallest building in our city?? Why not the University and Colleges? Why not get all of the media affiliates wearing and speaking teal?

Amazingness will happen, that's for sure!

Sunshine Foundation for Kids

My husband is gearing up with his committee to plan the annual golf tournament for the Sunshine Foundation for Kids, and one element that they always have at their event is a silent auction.

They always have such neat things on their table of goodies! Airline tickets, jewelry, spa packages...and they are bid on by individuals in our community who truly care about making a difference in the lives of children.

It's always great to give to a cause, and I always find a way to support their silent auction every year. Last year, I donated a painting and this year likely will do the same since it garnered so much interest!

Perhaps this piece since it's so bright and cheery?

Have an item that you could donate? Want to get some increased exposure for your company? Let me know! Email me at shannon@sweetstellas.com to make arrangements!

Philanthropy Focus...Ovarian Cancer Canada

Did you know that each day in Canada, 7 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

Did you know that each day in Canada, 4 women die from ovarian cancer?

Awareness and education programs for pre-screening and early detection have never been more important for this gynecological cancer, the most deadly of all cancers affecting women.

May 8th is Global Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day, and I am proud to say that the city of London, Ontario will be lighting up the sky with teal! Our City Hall will be changing the colour of its exterior lighting to teal for the duration of the day, and our community leaders will be supporting our efforts in raising awareness for early detection.

Did you know that the pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer?
Did you know that your sister, daughter, mother, niece, best friend could get this deadly disease out of the blue?

Still feel safe? Or does it make you want to learn more about the symptoms, to educate the women that you love?

How To Make Dreams Come True

Have you ever wondered how to make dreams come true, for kids? Well, with that's kind of the job of the Sunshine Foundation for Kids, an amazing charity dedicated to helping special needs children.

For the past few years, my wonderful husband has been the Chair for the Sunshine Foundation for Kids golf tournament in London, Ontario. He spends months with his committee preparing sponsors, organizing fun value added events to the different holes {including a mobile bake shop last year!} all because they believe that every child should have a dream come true.

There's so much that you can do to help make dreams come true for these children. You can volunteer, donate, and spread the sunshine through your social media channels to heighten awareness for the campaign.

• Let people know about your favorite Dream Story 
  
• Refer a child who may qualify for a dream
• Invite your sports team or coworkers to a Sunshine event
• Connect with your local chapter
• Sign up for our newsletter

Do you know a child whose dream you would love to see come true? Refer them to Sunshine, and feel good about putting a smile on their face.