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Cancer survivor gives back to transform care

Nancy’s Story

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Nancy McKinstry is the definition of self-made success.

As a financial professional, Nancy spent years building her career and helping investment firm Odlum Brown reach great heights as a powerhouse portfolio manager, director and partner.

Nancy was never one to back down from a challenge. So when she retired early at 55 years old, and faced an ovarian cancer diagnosis just one year later, Nancy once again held her head high and pushed into it head-on.

Fighting back

“Ovarian cancer was new to me and my family,” says Nancy. “No friends or relatives have had it. I felt quite alone when I headed in to receive care. And how lucky was I that I received care from OVCARE, one of the top ovarian cancer clinical-research centres in the world.”

Nancy underwent three months of chemotherapy followed by 35 radiation treatments and a total hysterectomy to remove the cancer. She spent 18 months recovering, but through it all she was so impressed with the knowledge and support of the OVCARE team, she knew she wanted to give back.

The power of philanthropy

Now in remission, Nancy has explored different ways to support the research that saved her life, along with countless others.

“The seed was sown at OVCARE,” says Nancy. “I have given back in a few ways including a gift in my will and through gifts of securities. These are important to me so that advancements keep happening even when I’m not around.”

Nancy has also given back with her knowledge and expertise. Her professional guidance has been instrumental in helping form the Gynaecologic Cancer Initiative, which is building bridges between gynaecological cancer experts across the province to empower and improve their resources and research, ultimately transforming patient experiences and saving lives.

Photo: OVCARE researchers Dr. David Huntsman and Dr. Dianne Miller

“As a cancer survivor, I have seen firsthand the power of philanthropy in health care, this is why I’m giving back in all the ways I know how.” 

“I am proud of what I could bring to help those who have helped countless others,” says Nancy. “I will always be here to support this amazing team.”

Learn more about how the Gynaecologic Cancer Initiative is using big data to better treat and prevent cancer. 

Join donors like Nancy by making a gift of securities to help make a difference for patients, now and into the future. Learn more