Internationally commemorated during October, the Awareness exercise is a campaign designed to educate women about breast cancer detection, push for better diagnosis methods and treatments and save lives.

In St. Kitts, activities undertaken by "Reach for Recovery SKB" included a service to celebrate life on October 03, 2004 at the St. Anne Anglican Church, Sandy Point. Upcoming events include a luncheon which will be on sale on Friday, October 29 on the Bay Front in front of Shoreline Plaza. Proceeds will go toward purchasing treatment for less fortunate breast cancer patients. The following day Saturday, October 29 there will be a walk in support of breast cancer survivors and in remembrance of those who have gone on.

The walk starts at Greenlands Tamarind Tree and ends at Independence Square.

The general public is being invited to join in the activities and to "Tell A Friend" which involves self-education and providing information to protect oneself and loved ones as well as remembering those for whom the cure did not come soon enough.

A flyer was also distributed by the support group. Women attending the clinic for mammograms are being encouraged to take the flyer with them to contribute and register part of their payment to "Reach for Recovery SKB."

Throughout the month and in order to spread awareness of the illness, residents are also being encouraged to wear pink ribbons being distributed by "Reach for Recovery SKB" and give a generous donation to the support group.

"Reach for Recovery SKB," breast cancer peer support group was formed with a view of supporting and encouraging breast cancer patients and survivors as well as their family and friends. The group meets once per month and is presently comprised of eight survivors and five supports.

Further information about the group and Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities can be obtained by calling 465-2784.