Breast cancer patient to return to Nevis to raise awareness
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Dr. Cameron Wilkinson, Medical Chief of Staff, JNF General Hospital with cancer survivor Lea Parris, during the launch ceremony |
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - AFTER successfully completing the third phase of her cancer treatment, Lea Parris will return to Nevis on Monday, June 2 to continue her work with Pink Lily Breast Cancer Care. The courageous woman plans to share her experience of breast cancer and will introduce a six-week Living With Cancer Course and Pink Lily Cancer Support group.
According to information made available by Pink Lily Foundation, Parris was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year, had a mastectomy (breast removal) in May, chemotherapy in August and completed radiotherapy just 4 weeks ago.
Parris wanted to use her experience and positive attitude to help others, so she got her doctors' approval to delay chemotherapy by two weeks so she could make a trip to Nevis last July and start raising breast cancer awareness.
Parris returned to Nevis in February this year for 4 weeks (minus her own hair which she had shaved off for charity) to launch Pink Lily Breast Cancer Care Nevis (PLBCCN).
PLBCCN was launched in Nevis on February 9th where an audience of over 60 guests were gripped by an eye-opening presentation made on Breast cancer by Dr. Cameron Wilkinson of St. Kitts. ~~Adz:Right~~
As the evening progressed, Parris explained that it was not only the cancer patients who need support through this life changing challenge but also spouses and family members. She said Pink Lily Breast Care Nevis offers the support that is needed in the way of group discussions, family support and one-on-one counselling.
“As a result of the Pink Lily Launch, with the support and interest shown, we are not only launching Pink Lily in Nevis but are now working toward taking Pink Lily throughout the Caribbean to support and help others dealing with cancer,” Parris said.
Parris also thanked everyone who contributed towards the success of the Pink Lily Launch event.
Just a couple of weeks prior to her diagnosis, Parris’ mother Mary Parris was also diagnosed with breast cancer. She too has had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and is currently receiving Herceptin intravenous cancer treatment every three weeks and will endure this treatment for the next 10 months.
Parris herself is still being treated in the way of the medication Tamoxifen which has to be taken daily in tablet form for the next 5 years.
Parris will be at the Alexandra Hospital on Wednesday 11th June at 7pm for a Pink Lily meeting and will be speaking about her continuing experience with breast cancer treatments. She will also introduce The Living with Cancer course and Pink Lily cancer support group and extended an invitation to all those interested finding out more about breast cancer awareness and Pink Lily.
