The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BREAST cancer survivors from across the United States came together with Bahamian survivors and supporters to celebrate a very special kind of cultural exchange last Friday.

The 2016 edition of “Walk In Paradise”, a special initiative in support of local and international breast cancer survivors, was once again a resounding success, according to organisers.

Hosted by Atlantis, the event was originally conceived by members of the local arm of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group and the Cruise for the Cure initiative, which makes it possible for sister survivors from the neighbouring US to visit, connect and share with Bahamian survivors.

The event took place in the Marina Village and featured entertainment from the Police Force Band and students from Kingsway Academy and Queen’s College.

Survivors also participated in a scavenger hunt and a scenic tour of Atlantis, from the vibrantly coloured stalls and store offerings in the Marina Village to other areas of the resort.

“The special meet-and-greet was successful once again,” said Andrea Sweeting, president of Sister Sister.

“The event was once again a tremendous experience. There were about 100 women off the cruise ship who were welcomed by us. We did a prayer and we also had entertainment for them. It was a good cultural exchange for us. We met these ladies going to the (Susan G Komen Race for the Cure) in Florida some years ago and that was when the first relationship started. Everyone was excited about the meet-and-greet and we went on the tour of Atlantis giving the women a walkthrough.”

Atlantis, as it has done every year since “Walk In Paradise” first began eight years ago, renewed its pledge to continue its support of the event and its commitment to help in the fight against breast cancer in the Bahamas

“It has been nine years and we have partnered with Atlantis to do this. We believe it has been a very good initiative,” Ms Sweeting said.

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

Sister Sister also 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 its 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.

“Last year at the end of September we give out 156 ports at $500 and I said I don’t know where we will get the money from, but we have not turned away one person. So far we have already given out 49 ports from since January,” Ms Sweeting said.

“We want people to continue to support our efforts and recognise that every little dollar counts.”

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.