Shannon Kadar 2024 Show Us Your Brave Ambassador
Shannon, a vibrant cancer survivor, refuses to let her diagnosis get in the way of her passionate advocacy for ovarian cancer and our local cancer community,
“Cancer is only one part of our story.”
Shannon Kadar, a vibrant woman, openly shares her experience from the moment she heard the words, ‘You have cancer.’
Shannon is a 2024 Show Us Your Brave ambassador. She knows, first-hand, how important it is to keep patients close to home for treatment and care.
Read on for Shannon’s powerful story, or watch as she shares her own experience.
“If we shout cancer from the rooftops, and we don’t let it go quietly, we advocate and we fundraise, our voices actually matter.”
Shannon Kadar, Brave Advocate
It all began when Shannon experienced pain in her pelvic area, prompting her to undergo a series of tests to determine the cause of her pain. Her mother and sister were by her side as she received the diagnosis: High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, Stage 1. With no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, Shannon began researching to understand all she could about her diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes.
After successfully completing her initial treatment, Shannon bravely embarked on a three-week adventure to Algonquin Park.
Alone.
“I loved it! It really changed something in me. I found my strength.” Shannon says.
Her bravery would be tested again when her cancer returned and had metastasized. Yet through it all, she remained very grateful for the incredible treatment and care she received close to home. “I remember the giant television screens on the wall that the radiologist would look at and thinking, ‘WOW’, they can just zoom in so precisely to see things that are just millimetres big. And to cancer patients, millimetres mean a lot!”
Shannon’s body has responded well to the latest breakthrough treatment option, and today, she is two years into remission.
“This new medication has actually given me a lot of hope that I can still have quite a long time before this cancer rears it’s head again, and I’m very thankful for that.”
Shannon’s Message To Our Community
“The last thing anyone wants to do when they’re well is travel four or five hours to access machinery or equipment or treatment that’s not available locally. Let’s keep that money in our community. You know, traveling out of town is stressful and not just for the patient but for the family and friends that have to accompany that person” – Shannon Kadar, 2024 Show Us Your Brave ambassador.
Shannon is one of four 2024 Show Us Your Brave Ambassadors, alongside (left to right) Pamela, Heather, and Mark. Each have their own brave stories to share. Each passionate about supporting world class care close to home.
about the campaign
Show Us Your Brave
Show Us Your Brave is a signature fundraising and awareness campaign, supporting cancer patients in our community. When our loved ones are told ‘You Have Cancer’, patients have no choice but to face their diagnosis. This spring, show your support for local cancer care. Commit to raising funds while stepping outside your comfort zone. Show Us Your Brave and stand with our loved ones bravely facing cancer. Every dollar raised stays local and supports world class cancer care close to home.