On April 28th, 2024, Ingrid Clancy, a survivor of Ovarian Cancer, set foot on the Portuguese Camino, spanning over 450 miles from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Her mission? To raise both awareness of Ovarian Cancer and funds for research.
What Motivated Ingrid to Take this On?
On Friday, October 28th, 2022, I was told I had Ovarian Cancer. Within only a few days, the following Wednesday, I was in surgery for a radical hysterectomy. This included the removal of my omentum (I’d never even heard of that body part!), and some lymph nodes. I was diagnosed at Stage 3B. Then followed five months of chemotherapy sessions. By the end of April, I was in remission and soon after I was put on a daily PARP-inhibitor to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. I consider myself fortunate that scientific research only three years earlier had made this medication available, bringing the likelihood of recurrence within the next two years, down from 90% to 50%! This gave me hope. This gave me the chance to move forward with positive steps.
The Call of the Camino: A Test of Spirit
May is International Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. To mark my 1-year milestone of being NED (No Evidence of Disease), I embarked on the Portuguese Camino. This is a 450 mile walk over 30 days or so, from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This journey was threefold: for my own health and rejuvenation, to build greater community awareness of Ovarian Cancer, and to advocate for funding ongoing research.
Know the Symptoms - It May Save Your Life!
It is important to highlight the need for greater awareness of this devastating disease. Early detection is key, yet no definitive test exists. The symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are too easily dismissed, until it is too late.
Common overlooked symptoms include:
- Frequent bloating
- Back ache or stomach pain
- Changes in bladder or bowel habits (urination/defecation)
- Feeling full quickly
Funding Hope and Saving Lives
The funds I raised went towards Powell-Drescher Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Powell-Drescher is led by oncologists, survivors, and scientists working together. The funds that you helped me raise went directly to support innovative research. Please join me and support how you can. Any donation is much appreciated. The money will go a long way, so please donate.
You can read more about my journey on my blog here: Ingrid Clancy 2024 Trip. The most important thing however is to spread awareness. I hope that others with the disease will recognize and catch the symptoms early. Together we can spread the word to save lives.
Buen Camino!
Ingrid Clancy
Ingrid Clancy
Ovarian Cancer Survivor, Patient Advocate
