Dagenais Joly-Smith Fund

Dominique Dagenais died on March 17, 2025, after a courageous ten-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Dominique was a devoted mother, wife and sister. Until her diagnosis in 2015, she was also a passionate long-distance runner and athlete. Despite her health challenges, Dominique channeled her strength, resilience and dedication into action.

Alongside her husband, Stephen Joly-Smith, and their son, Maxime, she established the Dagenais Joly-Smith Fund, which has since raised more than $1.2 million for the DOvEEgene Project: Dr. Lucy Gilbert’s groundbreaking research project that has developed a revolutionary new genomic test capable of detecting ovarian and endometrial cancers as early as stage 1.

Dominique also founded the Cedars Run for Ovarian Cancer – an annual fundraising event that will henceforth be named in her memory.

Cedars will remember Dominique for her unwavering determination to eradicate ovarian cancer and save women from this silent killer. Her passion and commitment were a reminder of the power of hope and action, and her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us in our philanthropic endeavours.

By making a donation to this fund, you will be honouring Dominique’s memory and helping us continue her fight against ovarian cancer.