BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EVERY October hundreds of persons purchase pins and t-shirt to help create awareness in the fight against Breast Cancer while donating to a worthy cause.
Pink for October does not stop at wearing a pink t-shirts and rocking the symbolic pins but have evolved into a fashionable statement.
T-shirts have evolved to baby tees and cute camisoles, while both men and would wear pink business clothing or pink shoes specifically during the month.
It is true Breast Cancer does not just affect the individual but the entire family and by extension a country, so it is imperative that women are educated about it and that everyone collectively shows their support.
Many Kittitians are coming up with creative ways to showcase their support for Breast Cancer Awareness month to show solidarity with survivors and those who may have lost in the fight.
Dylon Jones of Cayon, owner of Flavors by Delano, said he found it necessary to use his skills/talent to bring awareness to a worthy cause.
Known for his delicious and creative cupcakes and cakes, Jones said that he was pleased with the opportunity to join with hundreds of individuals and businesses to bring further awareness to Breast Cancer that affects our friends, sisters, aunts, mothers and community at large.
“I feel that educating the population about breast cancer can not only help women battling this disease but it can also assist others in providing a firm system of support for the cancer stricken individual.
“I have been fortunate to meet a few women who have successfully battled breast cancer and I have also met some prior to their demise from this disease. One thing is common in the ladies I have met with this disease is their strength and will to live,” he said.
Dencia Connor of D-lightfully Sweet N Crafty is currently residing in New York and while attending college, she met a woman four years ago whom she describes as amazing.
She said the lady worked in the office of student activities and had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Connor said the lady would always have a big smile and that it was hard to tell she was sick, only the fact that her head was bald gave her away.
She said as she got to know her, she became closer to her and slowly she noticed her bright smile which could lit up a room started becoming dim.
“She smiled still but you could still see through it. As I got to know her I would speak with her on a daily basis and asked how she was feeling and would give the answer, ‘I have life’ and would smile. Sometimes she would say she is having a great day and even taught me the electric slide which was her favorite dance, which I have perfected and love,” she said.
Connor said that one Spring morning the woman passed away and it was only then she decided to find out more about Breast Cancer.
“I also saw a commercial that noted one of every eight woman will get Breast Cancer and those odds just astounded me. One in eight which means that, between me my sister and my mom, we had a three in eight chance it could affect one of us! Oh my God I thought!
“I felt I needed to do something, but as a student, I didn't have the financial means to make a large contribution so I decided to do what I could. I registered for the Breast Cancer walk with the Woman's Resource Centre at the school. Being at the Race that first year was an unbelievable experience; being there with thousands of people, all there to support the same common cause… something that affects so many lives and seeing the multitude of people wearing the ‘In Memory of’ or ‘In Celebration of’ placards it was an experience that's beyond words,” she said.
Connor said that the experience changed her outlook and she decided to do something that would be meaningful and support the cause hence her designing earrings, pins and necklaces in support of it.
