Shortcuts For the latest trip updates go to the bottom on this topic

• Follow Ingrid’s progress step by step, on her picture blog at http://bit.ly/IngridClancy2024 (please “Follow” and “Comment” there to give her encouragement ! )

• Ingrid is raising funds for the Powell-Drescher Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. If you wish to contribute go to https://donorbox.org/walk-for-awareness

• Ingrid’s walk is also featured on the Powell Dresher Foundation web site at https://powelldrescher.org/be-empowering/

• For the latest trip updates go to the bottom on this topic

Taking on the Portuguese Camino for Ovarian Cancer

On April 28, 2024, Ingrid Clancy, a survivor of Ovarian Cancer, will set foot on the Portuguese Camino, spanning over 450 miles from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Her mission? To raise both awareness of Ovarian Cancer and funds for research.

Ingrid explains what motivated her to take this on:

On Friday October 28th, 2022, I was told I had Ovarian Cancer. Within only a few days, the following Wednesday, I was in surgery for a radical hysterectomy, including removal of my omentum (I had never even heard of that body part!) and some lymph nodes. I was diagnosed to be at Stage 3B.

Then followed 5 months of Chemotherapy sessions. By the end of April, I was in remission, and soon put on a daily PARP-Inhibitor to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. I consider myself fortunate that scientific research only three years earlier had made this medication available, bringing the likelihood of recurrence within the next two years, down from 90% likely to 50% likely! This gives me hope. This gives me a chance to move forward with positive steps.

The Call of the Camino: A Test of Spirit

May 2024 is InternationalOvarian Cancer Awareness Month. Now to mark my 1-year milestone of being NED (No Evidence of Disease), I embark on the Portuguese Camino. This is a 450 mile walk over 30 days or so, from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

This journey is threefold: for my own health and rejuvenation, to build greater community awareness of Ovarian Cancer, and to advocate for funding ongoing research.

Know the Symptoms: It may save your Life!

It is important to highlight the need for greater awareness of this devastating disease. Early detection is key, yet no definitive test exists. The symptoms of OC are too easily dismissed, until it is too late.

Common Symptoms that are often overlooked:

• Frequent Bloating

• Back ache or Stomach pain

• Changes in Bladder or Bowel habits

• Feeling full quickly

See your Gynecologist if any of these symptoms persist for 10-14 days.

Funding Hope and Saving Lives

The funds I hope to raise will go to Powell-Drescher Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Powell-Drescher is led by Oncologists, Survivors and Scientists working together. The funds that you help me raise will go directly to support innovative research.

Join the Journey: Walk with Purpose

Please join me and support how you can. Any donation is much appreciated. The money will go a long way. So please donate. Wish me luck on my 450-mile journey. You can follow my blog as I walk for ovarian cancer awareness here: [link].

The most important thing however is to spread awareness. I hope that others with the disease will recognize and catch the symptoms early. Together we can spread the word to save lives.

Buen Camino! Ingrid Clancy

May 1, 2024,

After Ingrid arriving in Lisbon last night Today Ingrid and her sister Cathy Duloy spent the day touring Lisbon, Sintra and surrounding areas. They start walking the Portuguese Camino tomorrow. For pictures see http://bit.ly/IngridClancy2024 .

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a captivating blend of culture, commerce, and tourism. Situated on the estuary of the Tagus (Tejo) River in western Portugal, it holds the distinction of being the westernmost capital city in continental Europe. Lisbon’s natural harbor, has played a pivotal role in its historical prominence. The city’s name has been associated with legends—from the legacy of Ulysses (Odysseus) to Phoenician colonists. Once a remote outpost, Lisbon transformed into a bustling modern metropolis after being rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1755. Lisbon is a city shaped by its maritime history. By the 15th century, it had established itself as a center for Portuguese exploration. Although its city center was razed by the earthquake, it was reconstructed. Lisbon’s transformation continued, earning it the title of European City of Culture in 1994. Notably, the city hosted the World’s Fair (Expo '98), which spurred significant renewal projects, including the construction of the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge—once the longest bridge in Europe.

Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese nobility and royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its wealth of opulent palaces, extravagant villas, and historic sites, all set amidst lush forests and jagged hills.

May 2, 2024

Today Ingrid and her sister Cathy Duloy started the Portuguese Camino and walked about 30 Km from Lison to Alverca. They then caught the train back to their accommodation in Lisbon which they have for two more nights. For pictures see http://bit.ly/IngridClancy2024 .

Alverca do Ribatejo, also known simply as Alverca, had a population of 31,070 as of 2011. It is situated near the Tagus River in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Alverca do Ribatejo has been deeply connected with aviation since the early 20th century, with a military air base established there in 1918.Alverca also housed the first international airport of Portugal, which was closed after the inauguration of Lisbon Airport in 1942.

May 3 2024

Today Ingrid and Cath had a shorter walk of about 10Km from Alverca Alverca do Ribatejo to Vila Franca de Xira. For pictures see http://bit.ly/IngridClancy2024 .

Vila Franca de Xira is a city Situated on both banks of the Tagus River, approximately 32 km north-east of Lisbon . As of 2021, its population was 137,659. This area has a rich history dating back to neolithic times. The town is famous for its bull-running festivals held in July and October. Bulls are raised in the salty marshlands of the Ribatejo, which is also known for breeding the Lusitano horse. Notably, Vila Franca de Xira was the stage for the eponymous Vilafrancada insurrection in May of 1823, led by Prince Miguel I of Portugal. The town also benefited from the completion of the Marechal Carmona Bridge in 1951, which was the first to cross the Tagus in the Lisbon region1. Nearby, visitors can explore the Lezíria Grande Equestrian Centre, where stylish displays of the impressive Lusitano horses take place1. Additionally, the town’s Misericórdia church features striking 18th-century azulejos (glazed tiles), and there’s a Museum of Neo-Realism.