The Tribune

Hundreds of participants running, jogging, and walking across The Bahamas last October has led to $74,000 being donated to several cancer care organizations.

The funds, raised during CIBC Caribbean’s 2024 Walk for the Cure, were recently presented to the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Groups of New Providence and Grand Bahama, Cancer Society of The Bahamas, the Cancer Societies of Abaco, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama and GD Sharing and Caring.

The contribution will support essential services and resources for cancer patients and their families. During the presentation, CIBC Caribbean’s managing director, Dr Jacqui Bend, emphasized the impact of every participant’s involvement.

“Each step taken, and every dollar raised during Walk for the Cure represents a beacon of hope for countless lives impacted by cancer. While this disease continues to present challenges, it also showcases the best in our community, showcasing our compassion and resilience.”

The event also marked the official launch of Walk for the Cure 2025, signalling CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to the fight against cancer.

Vice president of Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, Carmen Forbes, said, “If you know anybody that deals with cancer, you know that it is very expensive. When you see the love that is given towards individuals, especially survivors, that is great.”

President of GD Caring and Sharing, Duquesa Dean, added, “We do whatever we can to assist those in need and so donations from Corporate Bahamas like this one goes a real long way in helping the community.”

Additionally, immediate past president of the Cancer Society, Williamson Chea, said for the non-profit organization, “The funds go into many functions such as supporting the Cancer Caring Center where Family Island residents are housed while being treated in Nassau.”

Walk for the Cure has become CIBC Caribbean’s flagship activity and one of the Caribbean’s largest cancer fundraising and educational initiatives raising over USD $4 million across the region.

The funds are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Funds raised are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns.