The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE SISTER Sister Breast Cancer Support Group is gearing up to host its 11th annual Prayer Breakfast to show gratitude to God for their successful journey in keeping awareness alive and being a support system to the many women battling the disease.

A tradition started by the group eight years ago, the prayer breakfast is designed to give thanks publicly, this year at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort on September 12. The breakfast begins at 7.30am.

“Our theme is ‘Trust and Obey in God’. Last year our theme was ‘Sisters Press On’,” said Andrea Sweeting, president of Sister Sister.

“We decided to choose that theme because even though we can do things, we must know and remember that it is Christ who strengthens us to do it.”

Ms Sweeting said it is always of great importance for Sister Sister to carry on this exercise started by one of its members that celebrates the milestones they have made over the years.

“Eleven years ago one of our sisters, Brenda Russell, was diagnosed with cancer and she felt that it was important for us as a group to just give thanks and praise to God for where he has brought us and what he has done for us. She was the person who definitely initiated the prayer breakfast and we still want to give him thanks and continue with it,” she said.

In addition to giving words of hope and encouragement as the event’s key speaker, Charlene McPhee will also share the podium with a caregiver. He will share the story of what it was like having to deal with his mother who lost her battle with cancer.

“Opposed to having a survivor speak, we have asked a young man whose mother has passed away to tell his story as caregiver, and he has consented. So I hope we can get some very meaningful things out of that,” Ms Sweeting said.

“People do not realise that family members are impacted by this as well. And once you are willing to open up and share, people are actually willing to accept the way you are and assist you.”

Funds from the prayer breakfast will be used primarily to provide port-a-caths to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. A port-a-cath is used for patients who require frequent or continuous chemotherapy administration.

On average, Sister Sister provides approximately six to eight ports per month at a cost of $550 each.

Additionally, Sister Sister also assists with medical screening such as mammograms, ultrasounds, CT Scans, MRIs, PET CTs and blood work-ups. The organisation has also assisted with the purchase of oral chemotherapy medication such as Arimidex, Tamoxifen and Femora.

This Saturday, several Sister Sister members will participate in a fashion show at the Mall At Marathon featuring the designs of Peter Nygard.

“Mr Nygard, who now has a store in the mall, asked the survivors to come out be a part of the show,” Ms Sweeting said.

The Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group is a non-profit support group of some 200 women between the ages 20 and 70, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The group was founded in September 2000 by Dr Locksley Munroe, Dr Charles Diggiss and Nurse Charlene McPhee.

In addition to its New Providence office, the organisation also has a Grand Bahama branch and a presence in Andros. There is also a close relationship with the Cancer Society, Eleuthera branch. Its long-term goal is to establish branches in each Family Island.

For more information about Sister Sister Breast Cancer Group contact 326-1929.