Ovarian Cancer Canada’s 2009 Peggy Truscott Award of Hope was awarded posthumously to Barbara Lepitzki of Cudworth, Saskatchewan. The award was presented to Barbara’s sons Matthew, Michael and Mark Lepitzki in September at the Saskatoon Winners Walk of Hope. Barbara’s three sisters were also present and sister Catherine expressed thanks on behalf of the family.
For Fran Turner, National Program Director for Ovarian Cancer Canada, presenting the award was “an honour and a privilege. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Barbara in 2006 when she was one of 18 women Ovarian Cancer Canada sponsored to the second Cancer Rehabilitation Conference in Vancouver. It was obvious Barbara was a natural leader.”
Since 2005, Barbara played a very active role in the Canadian ovarian cancer scene, particularly in her efforts to establish a presence for Ovarian Cancer Canada in Saskatchewan. She organized a monthly support group for women of Saskatoon and surrounding area. She and the group then became involved with the programs of Ovarian Cancer Canada and began to deliver Listen to the Whispers and Survivors Teaching Students.
Barbara was also instrumental in bringing the Winners Walk of Hope to Saskatoon and served as co-chair from 2006 to 2008. She was also dedicated to bringing awareness and change to health care in Saskatchewan and did this through her advocacy work. Supported by others in the support group, she organized a meeting with the Saskatoon Board of Health and the Saskatchewan Minister of Health in 2008.
In addition to her dedication to Ovarian Cancer Canada’s mission, Barbara was also a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Connection/Cancer j’écoute – a one-on-one telephone support service, where she shared her story with women with ovarian cancer and supported women telling their stories of a new diagnosis.
Barbara was described by her nomination team as “a compassionate, generous, intelligent mother of three boys.” One nominator observed: “Barbara had a heart that was as big and bright as a rainbow.” Another commented that “Barbara’s support of every woman she met never wavered. She listened, she cared and she would encourage you to call her at any time.”
Throughout her journey, Barbara raised three incredible young men who have grown up strong, responsible, supportive and aware of their mother’s quest to support other people, to fight for a cause you believe in and to communicate to spread awareness.
The Peggy Truscott Award of Hope was established in 2003 in memory of Peggy Truscott, an incredible person whose commitment to and involvement with Ovarian Cancer Canada created a legacy within the ovarian cancer community. This award was designed to celebrate the dedication of an individual or group who volunteers in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s mission.
Photo Captions: Fran Turner presents award to Barbara’s sons; Barbara Lepitzki.