On September 27th, Montrealers gathered at Parc Angrignon to walk for a cause. According to Ovarian Cancer Canada, One in 75 Canadian women will develop the disease in their lifetime. To fight ovarian cancer, the annual Walk of Hope is Canada’s largest fundraising initiative, hosting events across the country throughout September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
For Julia Randolph, a student at Concordia University, the Walk of Hope was more than a fundraiser. She walked in memory of her mother, Beth Randolph, who died of ovarian cancer in 2021. Beth was the mother of two children, Julia and Shane, and worked as a psychologist at several Montreal high schools. She was adored by her family and friends, and was passionate about giving back to her community, particularly through counselling youth and volunteering on the committee of her neighbourhood community pool.
Five years after Beth’s death, the Randolph family decided to raise money in her honour. Their team, “Boppin’ for Beth,” was the top fundraising team of the Montreal event, raising a total of $12,275. For Julia and the Randolph family, this money was not only a tribute to Beth; it was also a contribution to lifesaving research for other women affected by or at risk of developing ovarian cancer. This case was especially personal for the Randolph family, as several members of their family face an increased risk due to a genetic mutation.
“It was really heartwarming to see how many people came out to support the walk and to see the community that has formed around raising awareness for ovarian cancer,” Julia said in an interview with The Bull & Bear.
“On a personal level, it was really meaningful to honour my mom by walking in her memory.”
Though the event carried many heavy emotions, the community was vibrant. At Montreal’s Walk of Hope, families, friends, and survivors came together to walk in memory of loved ones and in hopes of advancing Canadian ovarian cancer research. Hundreds of people wearing turquoise filled the trails of Parc Angrignon, sunflowers in hand to symbolize resilience and celebrate life.
Across Canada, the Walk of Hope has raised over $33 million since 2002, and has made strides in raising awareness and providing support, resources, and advocacy for those affected.
In an interview with The Bull & Bear following the walk, the federal Minister of Health Marjorie Michel said the event was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of continued federal support for ovarian cancer research. “With the research, we’ll find treatment, and one day, I hope we won’t have to walk to raise money, but to celebrate that we’ve found a cure,” Michel said.
Michel also highlighted the value of participating in events like the Walk of Hope. She said, “I’m here, of course, as the federal Minister of Health, but also as a member of the community[…] Coming here today and talking to different people, hearing their stories of how they found out and how they continue to live with it, you just feel so connected.”
That sense of connection carried throughout the Walk of Hope, bringing together hundreds of individual stories under a shared purpose. Participants walked for mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and survivors, each carrying their own connection to ovarian cancer. Together, their steps honoured those affected by the disease while supporting the fight for a future where fewer families have to experience the same loss.
