With the cost of treatment being one of the biggest challenges which cancer victims in Dominica face, the Dominica Cancer Society (DCS), is once again embarking on a project geared at assisting these victims.
On Saturday 5th October, 2013, DCS will be hosting their second annual “Walk for Cancer Care” fundraising event. Coordinator for Cancer Care, Vena Royer told Dominica News Online that the event is being undertaken to continue the drive for awareness.
“The purpose of the walk is to continue to create awareness of cancer in the community and the need for people to remain proactive. We have this program, early detection is the best protection. We are advising people and alerting them that they need to act promptly with the diagnosis of cancer.”
She pointed out that the walk provides an avenue for raising funds which the society uses to assist people undergoing chemotherapy.
“We have seen many patients suffering, suffering from the disease and suffering because people have to come up with the money for treatment and so in an effort to assist those people we are hosting this walk. The walk is a big fundraiser.”
Royer said that in 2012, the society raised $50,000 as a result of the walk and donations from the public.
“We have a number of team members around the place asking for donations and contributions and we are urging people to give generously because whatever you give goes back to the community.”
The walk is expected to begin at 4:30 pm from two points: from Mams in Mahaut to the Bayfront or from Pointe Mitchel to the Bayfront.
“We are walking to music and walking in a very large group so it is going to be fun. Registration is $25 and you can pick up the tshirts from one of the points either in front of Courts or Jays Bookstore.”
Meanwhile, the St Theresa house of the Convent High School is also doing their part in assisting cancer patients.
Teacher of the School, Leandra Lander said that the school will be hosting a benefit concert on the Saturday 12th October.
“The concert will be held at the CHS grounds and it is a benefit concert to raise funds for one or two cancer patients especially women going through breast cancer. Earlier this year the Dominica Association of teachers made a call for assistance for teachers who have been ailing from breast cancer.”
Lander noted that the St Theresa house which is represented by the color pink, decided to take up the cause and rally for breast cancer.
“More so since we are a girls school we can use the opportunity to educate our girls about breast cancer awareness. We are encouraging people to wear an article of pink to the concert and it will be an open air concert.”
The concert will include calypsonians, poets, dancers, and singers. A cake sponsored by Jodie’s Sweetart will also be raffled.
School children can gain entry to the concert for a small fee of $5 while adults pay $10.
Earlier in the week, Joan Richards a teacher at the St Mary’s Primary school who is currently undergoing treatment, was recognized.
That was a great walk looking forward to next year.
Do you know that more people suffer and die each year from diabetes than Breast cancer and Aids combined?
You could raise funds for a hospice. Antigua has successfully opened one two years ago.
Where is the money going to? Is is going to help those fighting the brave fight?
People are still falling for the corporate fund raising propaganda. If you really want to cut your risk for cancer ban all of the estrogenic pesticides that are being used here as well as a lot of the estrogenic plastics. With clean unadulterated organic food and water you will go a lot further than giving money to these corporate moguls. There already exist ways to reverse cancer and they aren’t chemo and radiation. That is a billion dollar scam and they prey on the ignorance and desperation of people. I am talking about the cancer societies and the drug research corporations.
Anonymous,
You so do not know what you’re talking about, I have nursed strict vegans who have come down with this dreaded disease.
honestly if you dont have anything good to say i suggest you shut up!!!! thanks
such a good cause and no comments here.. if it was about charles savarin we’d have 100 plus comments goin already… i lost a cousin to leukemia and it opened my eyes to how deadly this sickness is.. she was only 28 years old.. i’m so happy that the concer society continues being there for victims and there families.. Kudos to you!!! hope i can make the walk
Hi Im a nurse in the Uk and like you I lost a dear friend to leukemia. have spent many years nursing in palliative care I have been to Antigua where they opened a hospice this is a wonderful concept which allows people to go there and have more or less one to one nursing where pain is monitored etc. It is not just for the patient but for the families to have some restbite. I so wish all countries would set them up.
Cancer is so rampant in our society a
especially among young people education is important as it informs the people o prevention measures we also need a oncology department
Wish I had known sooner, would have brought some of my students along…but I will be there though. Hope there is a good turn out.
Way to go, Ms. Vena Royer! Cancer trends in Dominica are a cause for great concern and awareness should be recognized as a national health priority. Godspeed to the Dominica Cancer Society.