Launch Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Today [Oct 3] marked the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as proclaimed by Minister Jeanne Atherden at a launch ceremony at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.
Also announced was BF&M’s 20th Anniversary of the upcoming BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. BF&M was delighted to be able to announce the support and participation of Oracle Team USA in this year’s Walk, as confirmed by Jimmy Spithill, Skipper and Helmsman of Oracle Team USA himself – sporting this year’s pink BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk t-shirt.
L-R: John Wight, President and CEO of BF&M; Minister of Health and Seniors Jeanne Atherden; Mrs Pamela Dunkley, Patron of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Jimmy Spithill, Skipper and Helmsman Oracle Team USA; Sarah Cook, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre
John Wight, President and CEO of BF&M Limited, said: “This is a very special year for a number of reasons. First, the 20th of October will mark the 20th anniversary of BF&M’s sponsorship of the Walk.
“And at this point, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize Tara Curtis, Executive Director of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, along with her Board of Directors and her whole team, for the incredible work that they do.
“Second, the funds we raise this year will go not only to the Equal Access Fund, so that diagnostic imaging can be available to Bermudian residents who do not have health insurance, but also to BCHC’s Radiation Therapy initiative, which will allow residents to receive treatment here on the island for the very first time.
“Third, this year we are particularly excited to announce the support of Oracle Team USA, who will have a team of walkers alongside us on the 20th, helping us to raise funds for this very important cause.
“The America’s Cup team members have been so gracious in their engagement with the community here in Bermuda – we are delighted to welcome them into the Bermuda family.”
Minister Jeanne Atherden said: “We stand here today in solidarity with those living with breast cancer, those who lost their lives to this disease and to salute the survivors who won the battles. In my role as Minister for Health and Seniors, I hereby declare the month of October 2016 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bermuda.”
She added: “Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cause of death from cancer in women worldwide after lung cancer. In Bermuda, it’s women’s leading cause of death by cancer. According to the Tumour Registry, 62 cases of diagnosed breast cancer were recorded in 2015.”
“Breast cancer continues to affect one in eight women… As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness month, I urge all mothers, sisters, aunts, wives and friends to protect their health and longevity and have a mammogram as recommended by their physicians.”
Jimmy Spithill added: “A big thank you to BF&M for being the sole supporter of this for so long, of such an amazing and important walk that’s coming up on the 20th October. We will be there! If I’m not sailing, I will be doing the walk.
“If I am sailing, there will be a lot of support from our friends and family and obviously from the America’s Cup. We’re very proud to be a part of it. We will be doing everything we can to help support this and get the word out there.”
Sarah Cooke, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said: “We are very grateful for the continued support of BF&M, as our sponsor of this event, and their continued support of our Centre throughout the year.”
She reminded the audience about how to participate in the 20thAnniversary BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk: “Register at racedayworld.com, or visit the BF&M offices, Sportseller or the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and pick up your pack. But remember, walk packs are available while supplies last.”
