To mark the fifth anniversary of its breast cancer awareness campaign, the Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Committee will pay for mammograms for 100 women who cannot afford the test to detect cancerous lumps in the breast.
The Avon Community Health Fund along with the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee on Thursday kicked off its month long activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the wrapping of trees lining the Camp Street Avenue with the pink ribbon.
Committee Secretary Shunell Pooren told a press conference that the committee has been educating the public on breast cancer and advocating for public healthcare policies that will allow women access to mammograms and breast cancer treatment. “After five years of unbroken service to the country, the Committee would like to put the government on public notice that the committee will be approaching the Treasury for a subvention to continue the mission of breast cancer education and awareness,” Pooren stated. She noted that its costs the committee some three quarter of a million dollars to conduct awareness outreaches. Over the years, the committee has also made donations to the Beacon Foundation as well as the Periwinkle Club.
Yesterday, a breast cancer awareness exhibition was opened at the National Library and it will run until the end of the month. October 21 has been declared “wear pink day” to show support for those who are affected by breast cancer and respect to the survivors. The annual Fitness Walk for a Cure will be held on October 23. T-shirts are on sale for $1,000 for persons who want to be part of the walk. Following the walk there will be a fundraising sale of Avon Products next to the Avon Office on Camp Street. On October 24, a Candlelight Evening of Reflections for survivors will be held at the Georgetown Club. “It will be an evening of faith, hope and inspiration,” Pooren said. Admission to all activities is free.
