Breast Cancer Walk 2018
Friday, 29th October, 2018 -- They came from all parts of St. Kitts and they represented every strata of society, but they were all united around one cause…the fight against cancer.
It was the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk which has been organized by the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation for the past nine years, and for the last three years, sponsored primarily by The Insurance Company of the West Indies, ICWI.
This year, over 2,000 persons joined the growing supporters on Saturday, 27th October, 2018, to walk from Buckley’s to Frigate Bay for the cause of fighting cancer.
Some said that they were walking to support a family member or a friend. Others came as corporate groups, but there were others in wheel chairs, baby strollers and even on crutches.
The huge crowd was also comprised of survivors who publicly stated that their participation was designed to encourage other victims to seek assistance, and to also sensitize men and women about the need to educate themselves about all forms of cancer.
The aim is to give national prominence to the dangers and struggles associated with breast cancer, in particular, but cancer generally, said President of the foundation, Pamela Mary Armstrong. The activity she added, is also important for the income that is generated.
The funds raised from the event is used, said Armstrong, to cover expenses related to the work of the foundation, including the provision of mammograms.
Armstrong and other organizers expressed great satisfaction in the turn out on Saturday. She said her foundation has received numerous messages of commendation, especially for the large numbers that were attracted.
Already, said Armstrong, the foundation and its main sponsor, ICWI, are looking forward to the Tenth Anniversary in 2019.
There has been a significant increase in calls for support from victims, said Armstrong, with more and more people asking for assistance for treatment locally and overseas. Some have been given funds for airline expenses while others for medical tests and examinations.
Armstrong admitted that she is not sure why the demand has increased, but speculated that it could be as a result of more people becoming aware of the work of the foundation and or because of the increase in cancer cases.
Breast Cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Next year, the aim is to attract at least 3,000 participants, so that more funds can be raised, because as the foundation leader said, the current tally from the walk is only a “drop in the bucket” of the monies needed to help victims.
Armstrong said that they are therefore encouraged by the outstanding financial support that ICWI has been providing over the past three years, and their commitment to do even more for 2019. The president praised ICWI for agreeing to donate 5% of all new “Road Angel” polices that are signed up between October, 2018 and October 2019.
This extra funding said the foundation representative will be of tremendous benefit to the work of the foundation.
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