There will be a strong local presence at Regina's third annual Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope on Sunday, September 9.

One of the teams entered, the Teal Warriors, is captained by Estevan's Mary Antonenko, who is a survivor of Stage 4 ovarian cancer. The team boasts 22 people, including several local residents.

Estevan's Len Drebnicki is a member of the team, and he will have his hair removed on the day of the walk. Drebnicki said he has been growing it out for two years, and it will be shaved in support of Antonenko.

The hair will be donated to Locks of Love, which creates wigs for children with cancer.

The Teal Warriors have raised more than $5,000 for the walk so far. Antonenko said she is very happy with the support shown for the team. Individuals and businesses have been generous. Team members have collected pledges, sold keychains and cookbooks, and have worked security at the Estevan Motor Speedway.

The walk will take place at the Rick Hansen Optimistic Park in Regina. Registration is at noon, opening ceremonies are at 1 p.m. and the walk is at 1:20 p.m. Participants have the option of walking two-and-a-half kilometres or five kilometres.

According to Rita Grant, who is involved with the walk, there are 12 teams and 148 people registered. The event attracted about 300 people in each of its first two years.

Other highlights from the walk will include entertainment and speeches from ovarian cancer survivors and a gynecologist. The top three individual fundraisers, and the top fundraising team, will be recognized.

Funds raised will be directed to Ovarian Cancer Canada, so that the organization can create awareness of the disease; offer support for women who are diagnosed with the cancer; provide improved early detection programs and treatment for ovarian cancer; and hopefully find a cure.