The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Pink Butterfly, in association with Mario’s Bowling & Entertainment Palace, is hosting its fourth annual cancer awareness benefit to educate Bahamians on taking proactive steps regarding their health.

The Pink Butterfly fundraising initiative was started by Bahamian Diann Russell as a small mixer held in her apartment beginning in 2012, but has grown tremendously over the years.

She started the mixer as a way to raise funds to assist a friend who was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

Every year since 2012, the event was hosted at her apartment and the funds were donated to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas. This year, however, things are being switched up in a big way, as Mario’s Bowling & Entertainment Palace has agreed to host the event free of charge. It will be held on October 18 beginning at 4pm.

“The reason I started hosting this event was initially to support a friend that was diagnosed in 2012. Then it grew more over the years and we decided to donate to charity,” said Ms Russell.

“After doing some research on our Cancer Centre in Nassau, it only seemed right to try to assist as best as we can. They do such great work with the little they have and really need our help. The Centre is 100 per cent operated by donations,” she said.

The event will showcase tips on beauty, fashion, health and safety, and a three-time cancer survivor will share her experience. Speakers include stylist Kedar Clarke, Bahamian Icons founder Addis Huyler and Sherwin Braynen from the CDU.

“Our event is aimed at raising cancer awareness in young professional women in the Bahamas. Additionally, our organisation is 100 per cent non-profit; all of the proceeds collected are presented to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas,” Ms Russell said.

“The purpose of the event is to educate Bahamian women on the importance of mammograms and regular screenings. Additionally, we will be soliciting donations as well for the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.”

Ms Russell encourages people to come out to the event primarily so that they can be educated about cancer.

The women who attend, she said, will be given free gift bags courtesy of Lowe’s Pharmacy and cupcakes.