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by pltm
(PLTM) - A series of public events and fundraisers organized and hosted by CIBC First Caribbean International Bank throughout the month of October, has raised $9,500 to date to benefit the BVI Cancer Society.
The bank stated that the latest fundraising event was a bake sale at the Tortola branch on Friday, October 14.
The bank kicked off its efforts on October 1 with its annual dawn Walk for the Cure. The walk, in its fifth year, was supported by over 100 participants made up of bank staff, members of the BVI Cancer Society, local sponsors Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Harney’s, O’Neal Webster and Deloitte, as well as individuals from the community.
On Friday, October 7, both men and women benefited from a free breast screening as part of the BVI Cancer Society’s second free Health Fair, which took place at the bank.
Members of the BVI Cancer Society were at their tent on the ground floor to share information on general health, facts and myths about the disease, and effective ways of dealing with the physical and emotional impact of cancer as a patient and as a caregiver.
Nurses from the BVI Health Services Authority provided the breast screening service to members of the public in a private room. The individual sessions included information on breast cancer and a practical demonstration on how to self-check for unusual lumps in their breasts, chest and armpits.
“Everyone who came to see us was curious to learn more about self-examination after we completed the check up,” said Nurse Carol Jno Baptiste.
“For some, it was their first check, while others had been to previous breast screenings we’ve held. But each of them came because they understood that breast cancer is a serious disease that can be treated if detected early enough.”
She went on to say, “We had quite a few men come by, although some initially were coming for information to share with their wives. They were surprised when we explained that breast cancer can also affect men and were keen then to be checked and instructed on self-examination.”
Ms. Doreen McFarlane from East End stopped in for the check-up after seeing the notice on her way in to work. “I had a screening a long time ago and I decided that it was time for another check-up because you never know what’s going to happen.”
Ms. Shavana Sewraj who lives in Road Town said she had a mammogram in 2013 when some small cysts had been found, but which had gradually disappeared. “I hadn’t been examined since the mammogram and I felt that it was timely and necessary to have another check-up. You can’t just hope things won’t develop.”
The bank’s Awareness Committee continues with its internal “Blue Jeans Friday” initiative for the remainder of the month, whereby the staff is encouraged to wear blue jeans on Fridays for a $5 donation to the BVI Cancer Society. The bank also has cash collection boxes in the public areas of the Tortola and Virgin Gorda branches.
CIBC FirstCaribbean has supported the BVI Cancer Society’s October Breast Cancer Awareness month since 2011.
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