Organizers Say ‘Thanks’
ARMED with a target of raising over $50,000 to support the St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer, a record number of persons set out last Sunday to participate in the fourth annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure.
The walk coincided with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s CIBC Run for the Cure, and was held in each territory CIBC FirstCaribbean operates throughout the Caribbean.
The walk, commenced at the Rodney Bay Branch with participants travelling through Monchy and La Retraite to complete the walk at Pigeon Island, where they were met with refreshments, sponsor booths and inspirational talks from Country Manager, Ladesa James-Williams, members of Faces of Cancer and local oncologist, Dr Owen Gabriel.
James-Williams thanked those who participated, noting, “that CIBC FirstCaribbean is pleased to support the fight against cancer through the fourth annual Walk for the Cure which seeks not only to raise funds for cancer treatment and to raise awareness to the need to get screened but to remind those living and battling the disease that they do so with a community of well-wishers and supporters behind them.”
Dr.Gabriel who participated in the walk, highlighted the value of activities like Walk for the Cure that raise awareness and support for local cancer organisations as cancer treatment can be costly. He went on to note how leading a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on one’s predisposition to cancer, and that consuming healthy foods and engaging in regular exercise are habits that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer.
StevensiaTheophane, Vice President of Faces of Cancer, spoke on the impact of the support from last year’s walk to cancer patients in alleviating the financial stress associated with cancer treatment, and looked forward to being able to make a difference in a number of lives impacted by cancer from this year’s proceeds.
Fund raising activities will continue throughout the month of October, including a raffle with exciting prizes compliments of Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Felly Belly, LIME, Sea Island Cotton Shop, COURTS, BRAWO, AnseChastanet and Massy Distributors. Donations towards the St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer can also be made via deposits to account number: 106995550 as well as donation tins in all branches of CIBC FirstCaribbean.
Recipients of medals for completing the walk in record time were: Laurel Florenville, John Pompey and Neville Pierre who were the top three finishers; Nichette Scholar, the first female to complete, and Keanu Felicien, the first child to complete the walk. As well, one lucky person received a spa treatment from Touch Therapies Day Spa as a raffle prize for completing the walk, while others won vouchers from Felly Belly.