Ottawa woman dies after battle with pancreatic cancer
An Ottawa woman who raised more than $500,000 for cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital has died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Sindy Hooper died Friday night.
"She did it in typical Sindy style, courageously and gracefully while surrounded by good friends. She was able to see many of our good friends over the last few days, had them reminiscing, laughing, and as always, she gently encouraged us and reminded us to make every moment count. There is no way I can coherently express what an incredible person, friend, wife and mother she is," said Jonathan Hooper, Sindy's husband in a post on her Instagram account.
Jonathan adds Sindy's family and friends are hopeful they can make her proud by continuing her fundraising legacy.
"Next events up will be Sindy's Run and Ottawa Race Weekend. I would love to hear your favourite Sindy story Hug those you love and make every moment count," reads the post on Instagram.
Sindy is remembered as a competitive triathlete and marathoner. She completed the Boston Marathon three times and finished Ironman triathlons three times.
Despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Sindy Hooper trains for the Ottawa Race Weekend 5k event, raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and treatment. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa)
She was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had also spread to her left lung, spine and rib.
"When I asked my two physicians what my diagnosis (was), they said I had a year. If I am lucky, a bit more, if I am unlucky, less, and I am at eight months," she said at the time.
She told CTV News last year when she was in the best shape of her life in 2013, she was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was given six months to live. She said the next stage was daunting as she looked to the future.
After beating the odds, Sindy wanted to share her story for hope.
Her advice to those undergoing health challenges is to keep hanging onto hope.
A page was set up for the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. It is still raising funds for pancreatic cancer research.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Leah Larocque
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
U.S. Republicans condemn hurricane conspiracy theories spread by their own party
As U.S. officials struggle to push back against misinformation about natural disasters hitting the country, at least three congressional Republicans condemned conspiracy theories repeated by fellow members of their party.
Hurricane Milton plows across Florida, pounding cities and whipping up tornadoes. At least 4 dead
Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, and whipping up a barrage of tornadoes. It caused at least four deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.
Ontario man 'devastated' he owes $18,000 after 2 loans were fraudulently taken in his name
An Ontario man said he feels 'devastated' after learning his identity was stolen to take out two fraudulent loans under his name.
opinion Melania Trump reveals surprising pen pal friendship with King Charles III
In her column for CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about the pen friendship we didn't see coming, between Melania Trump, the former first lady of the United States, and King Charles III.
Twin boys born conjoined celebrate 1st birthday after separation surgery
Twin brothers who were born conjoined recently celebrated their first birthday after undergoing successful separation surgery.
Company must refund $1-million deposit after failing to complete West Vancouver home on time, court rules
A West Vancouver company has been ordered to repay a homebuyer's $1-million deposit after it failed to complete construction on the property in time.
Women say they were kicked off of Spirit Airlines flight for what they were wearing
Two Orange County women are speaking out after they say they were kicked off of a Spirit Airlines flight because of what they were wearing.
WATCH Lightning flashes seen from space as Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida
Timelapse video of satellite imagery shows an impressive number of lightning flashes over Florida as Category 3 Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday.