May 15th – 17th, Eleuthera women were given the opportunity to participate in some very important research. The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and The Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) came together to make this venture possible. The event sponsered by generous donors such as the Windermere Island Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas. 120 women were able to get the genetic test for FREE, whereas, the regular cost of such a test is $4000.00. This undertaking was spearheaded by the Community Outreach Coordinator (COC), Maisie Thompson- Pinder whose position is funded by Susan G. Komen through OEF.
Studies indicate that the BRCA gene mutation is a major contributing factor to the high rate of Breast and Ovarian cancers in the Bahamas. Because of the high ratesin the Bahamas, the BBCIF has embarked on data collection through genetic testing in the Bahamas, and Eleuthera was not left out. Also assisting with this venture were the Cancer Society of Eleuthera, The Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Center and the Bluff Methodist church all of whom donated their facilities to the initiative.