CHARLESTOWN Nevis, October 2nd, 2012 -- Pink Lily is hosting its 5th Walkathon, The "2012 ALL CANCER AWARENESS WALKATHON" Generously sponsored by Platinum Sponsors Cape Air & Northern & Western Insurance Company on Saturday 13th October, starting at 6am from Chicken stone (at the entrance to the Eva Wilkin gallery), Gingerland to Pinneys Beach, Nevis. A post walk breakfast, generously catered by Boddie and Pink Lily volunteers, will be served At Sunshine’s Beach bar.
The Pink Lily “2012 All Cancer Awareness Walkathon” will raise funds to produce, purchase and distribute Educational & Awareness material relating to all types of cancers throughout Nevis, to all communities; including the hospital, health centres, Doctors’ offices, health services, businesses, schools and churches, by way of leaflets, literature, magazines, posters, billboards, banners, newspaper & internet articles, TV & radio broadcasts and printed garments, peripherals & accessories.
October is typically well known internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness month and for the last 4 years Pink Lily Cancer Care has kept the tradition alive in Nevis and helped to raise awareness by hosting breast cancer awareness walkathons during the month of October.
Pink Lily took one step further by launching the 50K200 campaign to raise EC$50,000 to screen 200 women. A breast screening program was designed and as a result over 200 women received pre-screening counselling by Pink Lily support coordinator Tracy Parris at Alexandra hospital and mammograms (many for the first time) with Dr Mark Hodge in St. Kitts. The 2 phase programme saw its completion with 204 screenings in June, this year.
With breast cancer receiving much coverage during the last 4 years, Pink Lily is now turning its attention to raising awareness of all cancers that affect men and women, including prostate, cervical, testicular, lung, colon, kidney, melanoma and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma to name a few. Reinforcing the messages that the early detection of cancer saves lives, the importance of knowing the signs to look out for, the possible causes, preventative measures and the lifestyle changes that could make all the difference to living longer, healthier and happier lives.
Pink Lily’s founder, Executive director and cancer awareness coordinator Lea Parris-Cambridge, herself a breast cancer survivor, designed the New All Cancer Awareness Campaign with the hope of reaching, educating and encouraging more men to be aware. To know and understand what cancers affect men at certain times in their lives. To really start to take notice, listen to and understand their bodies. To make lifestyle changes that will improve their health and the importance of regular check- ups and examinations.
Another target audience that Pink Lily hopes to reach during this campaign is younger women who are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and to teach them from as early an age as possible, while they are still in high school, the life style choices that will help reduce the risks of cervical cancer and how to do breast self- examinations.
The campaign, which aims to attract and educate more men and women, highlights the message that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, culture, racial origin, religion or income and that Pink Lily will continue its work, offering support and care to those affected by cancer and to those who fear the word CANCER so much that they are afraid to reach out for help or advice.
Lea has shared her personal story about her journey with cancer , how she broke the news to her son and family, and how she positively fought the disease with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a strong faith in God. Lea got married and in-spite of the odds, had 2 babies within 5 years of her diagnosis of cancer in 2007. Lea officially founded Pink Lily on the 9th February 2008 with a vision to solicit enough support and funding and raise funds to build a cancer support centre in Nevis that offers lifesaving treatment and support and to offer quality cancer care to the men and women of Nevis and sister Island of St. Kitts.
During the last 4 years Pink Lily, which is a non-profit charitable organisation, managed and run by committed and caring volunteers has been meeting its objectives to raise awareness of cancer, offer support to those affected by cancer and fund raise to provide financial assistance and offer quality cancer care.
Lea appeals to and encourages everyone in Nevis to continuing supporting Pink Lily and all its activities and events to Stand Up to Cancer and went on to say that everything Pink Lily does and has achieved to date has been the result of the tremendous hard work of the loyal volunteers who have selflessly committed their time and efforts to help make a difference, the generosity of our event sponsors and because of the overwhelming support of the people of Nevis and their belief in what Pink Lily stands for. It’s because of that support that we can fight cancer and more lives can be saved.
In a statement Lea Parris said “This year Pink Lily was very fortunate to receive two platinum sponsors, which meant that if all other appeals for sponsorship were unsuccessful, this would ensure that the two main ingredients of the walkathon “T-shirts and breakfast supplies” would be provided for and participants of the walk would be able to proudly show their support of Pink Lily, that they were standing up to cancer and that they were cancer aware, then after walking over 5k they would be served a well-deserved delicious breakfast”.
The first of Pink Lily Platinum sponsors “Cape Air”…”Your wings in the Caribbean” is sponsoring the Pink Lily walkathon for a 2nd year. Cape Air provides daily, year-round service between Nevis and San Juan, with two flights per day in season and one flight a day in the off season. Ticketing and baggage agreements with most major carriers makes connecting a breeze. Cape Air’s interline agreement with JetBlue and codeshare with United Airlines in the Caribbean opens Nevis up to both domestic and international travelers.
Trish Lorino Director of Marketing & PR at Cape Air & Nantucket Airlines said “Cape Air is again proud to be a sponsor of the Pink Lily Cancer Care Walkathon. We are honoured to contribute to efforts that are focused on raising awareness, offering preventative care and educating and supporting those living with a cancer diagnosis. Together, we can stand up to a disease that unfortunately, touches the lives of countless friends, family members and neighbours.
The second Platinum sponsor, Northern & Western Insurance Company Ltd”. (NWIC) has been in operation for 12 years, providing general class insurance Internationally and Specialty insurance focused on niche markets in Surety & Financial Guarantee, Marine, Aviation & Travel Insurance. NWIC has been domiciled in Nevis for the past 8 years and is proud to be a concerned Corporate Partner in Nevis. When asked, they said “we have agreed to sponsor the Pink Lily 2012 All Cancer Awareness Walkathon in Nevis as our way of giving back to the people of Nevis and supporting such a good cause."
In a show of Unity and Defiance, join Pink Lily. Come together once again to Stand up to Cancer.
Tell your friends, neighbours, family & colleagues. Join Pink Lily, for a fun morning with a serious message “The Early Detection of Cancer Saves Lives”. BE CANCER AWARE.
It could make a difference to someone you know. It could help to save someone’s Life.
Entry fees include a t-shirt & breakfast EC$25.00 for Adults EC$15.00 Children under 12
Register at the Memorial Square, Charlestown, Nevis on Wed 10th & Fri 12th October from 10:00am to 4pm Pick up your t-shirt and breakfast ticket.
By registering, your participation and support helps Pink Lily Cancer Care to continue Its work to make a difference to the lives of the Men, Women and Children of St. Kitts & Nevis. Stand Tall & Walk Boldly in COURAGE, FAITH, HOPE & STRENGTH with Pink Lily.
For more information about Pink Lily’s fundraising events, how to fundraise for Pink Lily or volunteering , or if you would like Cancer awareness information or support, please call 1 869 6643306 or email tracy.pinklilycancercare@gmail.com or lea.pinklilycancercare@gmail.com
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