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

The Ottawa Cancer Foundation has introduced a new initiative, the Dear Cancer campaign, aimed at sharing the powerful stories of individuals affected by cancer. This campaign focuses on giving a voice to survivors, patients, caregivers, and families, allowing them to express their personal experiences with the disease. According to Angie Poirier, the Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation, the project seeks to capture the emotional journey that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

Poirier described the motivations behind the campaign during an interview with CTV Your Morning Ottawa. “In those darkest times, you have your own conversations with cancer. You curse it, you pray to it, seeking relief,” she said. “While many of these conversations may be filled with anger and desperation, there is also empowerment in confronting cancer directly and articulating what it has taken from you, as well as what it hasn’t.”

The Dear Cancer campaign will showcase a range of testimonials, allowing participants to delve into their unique journeys from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. This initiative aims to highlight the comprehensive support systems provided by the foundation, including programs and services that have assisted individuals along their paths to healing. “Each cancer journey is distinct,” Poirier noted, emphasizing the varying experiences that individuals endure.

In addition to discussing medical treatments, the campaign will address the broader aspects of recovery. Poirier highlighted that healing involves much more than just medications. “Considerations like nutrition, exercise, wellness programs, and financial services are all crucial parts of coping with a cancer diagnosis,” she stated.

The inspiration for Poirier’s involvement with the Ottawa Cancer Foundation is deeply personal. Her son, Nash Cote, was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Today, she shares that he is thriving and enjoying life. “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. She reflected on the resilience her family has shown and the immense support they received from the community during their challenging times.

Poirier’s journey has transformed her from a community ambassador to a key figure at the foundation. “Once Nash was healthy, I knew I wanted to turn my pain into purpose,” she said. Her commitment to helping others navigate their own cancer experiences has become a driving force in her professional life.

For those seeking further details about the Dear Cancer campaign, additional information can be found on the dedicated website: https://dearcancerottawa.ca/. This initiative not only aims to uplift the voices of those affected by cancer but also seeks to foster a sense of community and resilience among individuals and families alike.