Nevis Monday, June 28, 2010. One hundred women who are beneficiaries of free mammograms offered by Pink Lily Cancer Care will receive certificates at a reception scheduled to be held at 2.00 p.m on Saturday, July 3 at the Red Cross Building.
According to Pink Lily, Executive Director, Lea Parris Cambridge a breast cancer survivor who established Pink Lily the screening program was made possible due to the funds raised in 2009 under the campaign 50K200, where a goal was set to raise EC$50,000 in order to screen 200 women. Each mammogram cost Pink Lily EC$ 200. “This is a discounted price generously given by Dr. Mark Hodge,” she pointed out.
“Those who have signed up have received free pre counseling and free mammograms ,” she said. The pre and post counseling sessions were” held at the Alexandra Hospital staff room.
Lea Parris Cambridge explained the procedure followed during the training: “A training session begins with the screening of a short BSP commercial which can also be viewed on Info Channel 8). They are then taken through a visual presentation of the breast screening programme and it’s purpose. The programme’s segments include - Understand your breasts, Understand cancer, Understand screening, Understand Surgery, Understand treatment and Know your care team.”
She explained the content of the take home information kit: “The segments are accompanied by a pre counseling brochure containing all information covered in the presentation. The ladies also receive breast screening guidelines and a booklet on self examination and fitness and nutrition tips.”
“The sessions have been well attended, interactive and drew a number of questions and initial concerns from the participants aged between 39 - 67, the majority of who had never had a mammogram, some had a family history of breast cancer and some that had noticed abnormalities in one or both of their breasts. The ladies were put at ease and reassured by positive explanations by the Pink Lily volunteers who shared their own personal experiences,” the Executive Director said in a press statement.
“In return for this complementary service, Pink Lily asks that participants complete the breast screening programme Feedback form. This will help Pink Lily to continuously improve on educational awareness presentations and support services,” Lea Parris Cambridge said.
Prior to the official launch of the programme Pink Lily held broad consultations with medical personnel in St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Ministry of Health officials and relevant stakeholders.
Pink Lily volunteers who have worked around the clock to ensure that the programmes takes off have included, Petra Carvalho, BSP Coordinator made visits to medical personnel to ensure that Pink Lily BSP works within the official screening guidelines. “The wide consultation also helped to enrol the support and participation of the doctors in promoting the programme to reach as many women as possible,” Ms Carvalho said.
Lea Parris Cambridge, has produced all BSP posters, flyers, forms ,brochures, literature and commercials. She also conducted the first four pre- counselling to the first 49 women who signed up for the programme.
Adiola Brookes, newest and youngest Pink Lily volunteer took the role of the BSP administrative assistant. She collected applications forms, prepared the BSP schedules, booked appointments for BSP participants and conducted follow up enquiry calls to all participants who have completed their screening.
Tracy Parris, Support Coordinator, collected the BSP feedback forms and receipts from participants once they completed their screening and stepped in as pre counselling presenter. Julie Claxton, Events Coordinator co- presented the pre counselling session.
“The responses from the ladies who have completed the programme so far has been of heartfelt gratitude, relief, excitement and encouragement for other ladies to take advantage of the opportunity to join the programme, especially those who face the same anxiety over having a breast examination, for fear of the results,” Lea Parris Cambridge said.
In order to complete the programme, a further EC$25,000 is needed to screen the final 100 women. Pink Lily will be hosting is 3rd Walkathon “$25K100” in October 2010 to help raise the funds and hopes to see the same level of support and participation of over 200 persons take part in the walk.
“Pink Lily also encourages businesses, organizations, schools, churches and individuals to organize their own fundraising events to contribute to this worthy cause that is helping to save the lives of our loved ones; mothers, sisters, wives, aunts, grandmothers, girlfriends, cousins, friends, neighbours and colleagues,” Lea Parris Cambridge said.
“It has been a pleasure to deliver the awareness and educational programme to highlight the key areas of breast cancer awareness, to encourage women to take regular screening, help them to understand that cancer is no longer a death sentence and that early detection saves lives.”
“Pink Lily Cancer Care exists to reduce the fear, stigma and phobia associated with cancer by providing support, care and education. We create a better understanding of cancer and give hope to people living with or affected by cancer in St Kitts and Nevis.”
Pink Lily cancer care Nevis, relies on volunteer help, donations from the public, community fund raising efforts, patrons, sponsorship and funding to provide its service free to clients.
For further information call 469 3277, 469 2125, 664 3306.
