The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

ANY survivor can probably attest to the fact that having a vibrant and positive support system plays a major part in winning the fight against breast cancer.

Being given support, encouraging words and love is vital for women who are going through possibly one of the most challenging ordeals of their lives.

It was with this in mind that the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group was founded in the Bahamas and has since its establishment in September 2000 catered to the spiritual and mental needs of survivors.

Those sentiments were on display during a unique event hosted by Sister Sister last Sunday. Some 100 survivors from Florida travelled to the Bahamas to enjoy an exciting time mixing and mingling with members of the local chapter.

The special meet was the eighth annual one for Sister Sister and was held at Atlantis’ Marina Village.

Entertainment during the event was provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, Albury Sayle Primary School, Queen’s College, Kingsway Academy, the Meridian, and the Sister to Sister Collegiate Chapter.

“This is something that we have been doing for year. All of the women who come on the cruise are cancer survivors in the Florida area who are all in the Susan G Komen support group. They come over on a cruise ship that is discounted. They were here to enjoy themselves,” said Andrea Sweeting, president of Sister Sister in the Bahamas.

Ms Sweeting said the interaction between the women is always beneficial because they get acquainted with each other’s struggles. At the end of the day, she said, the survivors are always more encouraged and have a renewed passion to fight for their lives.

“The women are able to interact with us as well. This interaction helps a lot, because we have this concept that we are in this all alone. But when you realise that there are so many other women out there who are actually surviving cancer it gives you more of a boost and will to live,” Ms Sweeting said.

“I can assure you, we want women to know that our lives are to be lived and enjoyed. We are not just to sit there and say, ‘Oh, I am going to die from this.’ There is a lot out there that is going on and we want our women to be a part of it and enjoy it.”

The local chapter is expected to host several other events to continue promoting the cause.

Sister Sister gave a special thanks to Atlantis for accommodating them and their guests.

The brain child of Dr Locksley Munroe and Dr Charles Diggiss, the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group was launched in September 2000 as a non-profit charitable group for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

In addition to assisting with the mental and spiritual needs of the membership, financial assistance is also offered to those in need through the purchase of Port-a caths. This medical device is used by oncologists to administer chemotherapy and is seen as the first step in helping women fight breast cancer.

Monetary donations are also made to assist members with the cost of medication, medical exams, and some day-to-day necessities. Each newly diagnosed patient receives a gift bag containing information on patient care, a squeeze ball for exercising, information on prostheses and the contact information of members of the group.