BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ESSENCE of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is presently preparing to host their second annual month of activities as October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Month.
In speaking with founder of Essence of Hope, Pam Hendrickson, she informed that activities will begin with a Church Service on the 16th and climax with the Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 29.
She said that along with the walk, there will be a Pink & White Fundraising Gala that will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel on Oct. 22.
Hendrickson said the event will be held at the Ballroom and along with the dinner, there will be live entertainment and a silent auction.
She said the main speakers for the evening will be two breast cancer survivors, who will speak about their journey and how they overcame the disease.
“You’ll be hearing from persons who have been there, have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have fought it, just so you’ll know it is not a death sentence,” she said.
Hendrickson said there will also be sophisticated modeling done and music will be played after dinner by the KC-5 Band.
Hendrickson said that she and her committee are trying to raise funds to help at least 50 women have mammograms done, specifically those who are at high risk, those who cannot afford the tests and those who have never had one done.
“I feel very excited; it’s our second year and we’re known by the public, especially from hosting our walk last year. And this year we’re also hoping to make a difference,” she said.
The gala will also be featuring the first ever Annette Jenkins Humanitarian award, where an individual will be awarded for his/her work in the community.
In terms of the other activities, on Oct. 23, they are hoping to talk to some of the high schools in the Federation about Breast Cancer and on Oct. 25, there will be an ‘Ask the Doctors’ Live television programme on ZIZ.
Oct. 28 is ‘I love Pink Day’ when persons will be encouraged to wear pink which will exhibit and solidify the support they extend towards breast cancer survivors.
And finally, Oct. 29, the walk will begin at Caribbean Cinemas then en route to the bypass road ending at the last round-a-bout in Frigate Bay.
Hendrickson said that persons can contact her at 763-9351 for information on tickets for the gala and also the packages for the walk.
In a previous interview with SKNVibes, Hendrickson said she started Essence of Hope in memory of her friend, the late Annette E. Jenkins.
“I lost my best friend Annette Jenkins in September 2000 to Breast Cancer. She was very well known and very loved by all who knew her. A prominent and productive citizen she was, as well as an entrepreneur in St. Kitts.
“We want to make sure that all through the years to come we continue to support this cause and continue to fight to bring an end to this disease.
We not only want to bring the awareness of breast cancer to all, but we also want to make this a fun experience and anticipate that these events will always be a success while helping to get the message out,” Hendrickson said.
