The Tribune

It’s official: a new organisation to help young Bahamians battling leukaemia was launched over the Christmas season.

The Blue Rose Foundation made its debut with a Broadway-style dinner show at the Balmoral Club to mark its official launch. And it has also already named Daniella Palamino as it’s official ambassador.

Daniella, who recently graduated from high school, was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was just in ninth grade. She underwent a three-year chemotherapy regimen and at times was unable to attend school. She said she lived a life far from that of the average teenager.

The Blue Rose Foundation was established in memory and honour of Minerva Kemp, an acclaimed Bahamian vocalist, especially in the Grand Bahama community and sister of Grammy-nominated Johnny Kemp.

The Foundation will focus on helping children with leukaemia and fund a scholarship at the University of The Bahamas for young aspiring Bahamian musicians.

Philip and Anja Bowe, the children of Minerva, will use the Blue Rose Foundation to keep their mother’s legacy of philanthropy alive. Philip described his mother as caring, giving and helpful, saying: “She truly embodied the real meaning of kindness and generosity, doing something for someone else expecting nothing in return.”

His mother, he added, had a heart of gold. “When you have a good heart, you help because you are happy with what you do – my mom had a good heart, a giving heart.”

Minerva Kemp was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2004, at which time doctors gave her just six months to live. Deemed a medical miracle, Minerva was a 15-year leukaemia survivor, having experienced two episodes of reoccurrence after her initial diagnosis. In February 2019, Minerva finally lost her battle with the disease.

During the show to launch the new Foundation, Minerva’s daughter, Anja Bowe, served as the headliner. She is known for her leading roles in Shakespeare in Paradise. Guest artists included Alia Coley, Osano Neely, Charissa Smith and Sonovia Pierre. Das Quay added much holiday cheer during his comedy segment, and Dwain Wallace was the evening’s host.

The Bowe siblings thanked those in attendance for their support. “May the spirit of love, peace and goodwill warm your heart this holiday season. And may the joy that fills your heart not come from what you get, but rather, what you give,” they told the audience.

For more information about the Blue Rose Foundation or to make a donation, e-mail bluerosefoundaton60@gmail.com. Follow the Foundation on Facebook at blueroseminerva and Instagram @bluerosefoundation.