The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer FASHION and food for a good cause will be the theme of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas' fundraising event this coming Saturday. Featuring designs from fashion houses such as Cole's of Nassau, La Rose, Tommy Hilfiger, Rubins, SplashDance and The Plait Lady, the "Luncheon on the Lawn" event aims to raise money to assist with the daily operations and management of the Cancer Caring Centre, which houses patients from the Family Islands receiving treatment in Nassau. The fundraising event will be held at the Balmoral Club; it will start with luncheon, which will then be followed by auction and the fashion show. "The cause is very important. Cancer is a disease that touches all of us and the Cancer Caring Centre is especially critical for cancer patients from the Family Islands," said founder and treasurer Susan Roberts. The Cancer Society describes the Caring Centre as a facility which provides a tranquil atmosphere where patients can recuperate during and after chemotherapy treatment. No cost is associated with a patient's stay at the housing facility. "Some patients from the Family Islands do not have a place to stay when they are here in Nassau undergoing treatment. Some of them may also be staying where there are a lot children and the environment may not be the best for them. We take good care of them here. We take them to their appointments and make sure that they are comfortable during their stay," Ms Roberts told Tribune Health. The three-storey housing centre is located on Collins Avenue and is in close proximity to treatment facilities. The building has ten rooms, each with a garden and a patio. Residents are encouraged participate in activities like gardening and cooking. "If it was not for the centre many of the patients would not be able to sustain treatment in Nassau. The centre is a home away from home, a place of comfort where they can stay while undergoing chemotherapy," said Carlton Robertson, Society committee co-chair. With the continued assistance from the public, he said, the centre would be able to accommodate more patients. The lead corporate sponsor of the event is the Bank of The Bahamas (BOB), which last week announced that it would ratchet up its role in the ongoing fight against cancer. Speaking about the "Luncheon on the Lawn", BOB marketing manager Michael Basden said: "The setting alone is fantastic, but more importantly, the cause is so important. Cancer is a disease that touches all of us and at BOB we want to do everything we can to assist in education about its causes, prevention and the care of those afflicted. The Cancer Caring Centre is especially critical for cancer patients from the Family Islands, many of whom would not be able to sustain treatment in Nassau were it not for the Centre providing a home away from home, a place of comfort where they can stay while undergoing chemotherapy. We have been told that all 10 beds at the centre are always full and there is a waiting list. That waiting list could include people for whom immediate treatment could mean the difference between life and death; it could make a difference in the quality of life," he said, The Cancer Caring Centre offers 24-hour care. There is an administrator, caregiver and security at the facility. Volunteers also do their best to improve each patient's quality of life by visiting them, leading daily exercise classes, giving talks on nutrition, providing transportation and helping arrange visits, officials said. The Cancer Society aims to increase awareness, education, prevention, research, advocacy, care and cure. It also serves cancer patients, survivors and their families, and persons at-risk across The Bahamas. The Society offers education, healthcare, counselling and support. Annual events in support of the cause include the Ride For Hope, Stride For Life, the Cancer Ball, Love Lights A Tree and the annual raffle.