Ottawa Cancer Foundation Launches ‘Dear Cancer’ Campaign to Share Survivor Stories

The Ottawa Cancer Foundation has initiated a new campaign titled Dear Cancer, aimed at sharing the personal experiences of individuals affected by cancer. This initiative seeks to provide a platform for survivors, caregivers, and family members to articulate their journeys and the impact the disease has had on their lives.

Empowering Voices in the Community

Angie Poirier, the Foundation’s Director of Communications and Public Relations, explained the motivation behind the campaign. Speaking on CTV Your Morning Ottawa, she highlighted the emotional struggles faced by those diagnosed with cancer. “In those darkest times, you have your own conversations with cancer. You curse it, you pray to it, to leave you, to spare you,” Poirier stated. She emphasized that confronting the disease and sharing personal narratives can be a powerful form of healing.

The Dear Cancer campaign will showcase the stories of clients, patients, and their families, focusing on their complete journey from diagnosis through recovery. Poirier noted that the testimonials will cover more than just medical treatments, highlighting essential elements of healing such as nutrition, exercise, and wellness programs. “Every cancer journey is different,” she added, underlining the individuality of each experience.

A Personal Journey of Resilience

Poirier’s dedication to the campaign is deeply personal. She experienced her own battle with cancer when her nine-year-old son, Nash Cote, was diagnosed in 2024. Thankfully, Nash is currently thriving. “I’m so happy to say he is a healthy, happy, funny little nine-year-old boy getting back to all of his activities that he loved before,” Poirier expressed. Her family’s experience has fostered a sense of gratitude for community support during their challenging times.

Initially, Poirier became involved with the Ottawa Cancer Foundation as a community ambassador while navigating her family’s cancer experience. Inspired by the stories of others, she transitioned into her current role, aiming to turn her family’s pain into purpose. “I always knew that once he was good, and once he was thriving, that this was going to be a turning pain into purpose moment for me,” she reflected. Poirier hopes to leverage her experience to assist others facing similar challenges.

For those interested in learning more about the Dear Cancer campaign and accessing the shared stories, additional information is available at dearcancerottawa.ca.