Polewalkers For a Cure

04/24/2026

Ovarian cancer is not just one disease; it is a group of diseases. ⁠
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It is what happens when normal cells in or near the ovaries are damaged or change, producing mutations that cause them to grow in uncontrolled ways. Scientists have discovered that many forms of the disease originate in the fallopian tubes. ⁠
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This discovery is what Dr. Andrea Nielson and Jeanie Malone are building on in their work in . Their work aims to combine innovations in imaging and biomedical technology to collect cells from inside the ovaries, allowing them to detect changes in the cells of the fallopian tubes sooner, giving those at risk of the disease more time and saving lives. They are working in partnership with patients to ensure that their trial, and the procedure are safe, comfortable, and minimally invasive for those undergoing it. ⁠
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Learn more about their work and how you can support it leading up to World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8: https://ovariancanada.org/news-stories/detecting-ovarian-cancer-before-it-starts-a-new-frontier-in-early-detection?form=WOCD&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WOCD&utm_content=ovariancancer&utm_term=WO26

03/09/2026

We had a good early spring urban walk Saturday morning from Cadboro Bay Village to Estevan Village via Uplands and Midland Ave, heading back along the beach to Cattle Point where we say a beautifully carved marble and granite sculpture that memorializes Stqéya, the wolf that lived on Chatham and Discovery Islands for eight years.
Following with our walk down memory lane, we travel back to 2021 this week. Covid 19 was still around but we were able to slowly get back out for walks albeit in reduced numbers and masked!

02/15/2026

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. We had another great walk this morning starting out from the totems in the Songheees and heading over the Johnson Street bridge and along the inner harbour to Fisherman's Wharf. We then headed back along Michigan St., through the Parliament Buildings and up Government St. Before heading back over the bridge we stopped for coffee at La Roux Patisserie Inc. A lovely morning!
I'm continuing to celebrate our 11 years of walking together and looking back over the years. This week we look at 2018. Enjoy

02/12/2026

Please read Piper’s story. Early detection is so important.

02/12/2026

This is great news from British Columbia.

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Researchers confirm an 80% reduction in the incidence of high-grade serous ovarian cancer following the removal of the fallopian tubes during a planned gynecologic surgery (known as opportunistic salpingectomy) before cancer develops. Because of this, opportunistic salpingectomy will now be offered during a wider range of routine surgeries, helping more women reduce their risk and prevent more ovarian cancers before they start.

Since 2024, we have been working to raise awareness with provincial governments, nurses and doctors about this life-saving surgery that can prevent Canadians from developing ovarian cancer.

Here is what’s next in 2026:
🔹Ovarian Cancer Canada is funding an expansion on this research to improve care related to undergoing this surgery and ensure all Canadians have equal access to this life-saving care
🔹 Continue briefing provincial and territorial governments on the benefits of ovarian cancer prevention to ensure national awareness
🔹 Expand access to prevention resources for healthcare providers

🔗Learn more: https://ovariancanada.org/articles/improving-access-to-opportunistic-salpingectomy-in-canada-a-collaboration-with-the-ovarian-cancer-observatory

02/10/2026

Another day in paradise! Tuesday is our early walk that starts at 7:30am. This morning was particularly lovely with Spring blooming all over. We even got to see a family of five harbour seals by the marina. What a way to start the day! For the pole walkers out there who have got out of the habit of walking, come and join us at the Starbucks, Fort and Foul Bay, 7:30am on Tuesdays. Thanks Don for the photos.

02/09/2026

With A La Mode Consignment Victoria – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers 🎉 So good to support local businesses.

02/08/2026

Don led us Saturday on a walk up to Summit Park and the water reservoir on Summit Hill. It was still a bit foggy so we didn't have the view, but we did get to see the early spring flowers popping their heads out like like little groundhogs. We had coffee back at the new North Perk Coffee House on Quadra. A great little place worth trying out.
I've also added some memory photos from 2017 for you to enjoy!.

02/06/2026

What a beautiful morning we had Thursday for our Gorge Hills Walk. Coffee outside at Iluka espresso with good friends was the cherry on the cake!

02/04/2026

We had a great early morning walk today arriving at Willow's Beach just in time to catch the rising sun. What a great way to start the day. Lucky us: no wind, no rain and 9C. We even spotted some daffodils blooming in a garden on our way back.

02/01/2026

The rain stayed off for our Saturday morning walk in and around Beacon Hill Park and along Dallas Road. It was even mild and we were feeling warm. We were treated with a show of a muster of Park Peacocks gathering outside an apartment window obviously waiting for a breakfast handout. There is always something new on our walks. We finished our walk with breakfast at the Beacon Hill Drive in just as it started to rain!
Another look back over the years. This week 2016.

01/30/2026

Hello Friends. The Chinese New Year begins on February 17 and continues through to March 3. To celebrate we'd like to invite you to join members of the Polewalkers for a Cure to this year’s Chinese Ladies' Lunar New Year Lunch at the Crystal Pool on Quadra Street, on Friday, February 20. This is a fundraising lunch put on by a group of Chinese Ladies from the Crystal Pool to support the Crystal Pool’s Campership Program. The funds raised will allow disadvantaged youth who may not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of camp to access one week of free summer camp. This is one of the many community causes the Polewalkers for a Cure support and, like us, is generously supported by the Knights of Pythias. Through the Knights we have been able to connect with a number of like-minded charities who support one another. The luncheon is by donation and very delicious! Please come out and support this worthwhile cause. The poster is attached. Please share it with your friends. See you there!