Eleuthera, Bahamas — One Eleuthera Foundation and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Outreach Program (BCOP) partnered with Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries in Rock Sound to host a “Pink Party” event on October 11th, 2016. Attending the event were well over 100 women, girls and a few brave men from the neighboring settlements. Each participant was adorned in pink attire in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.
The evening was a fun-filled one involving treats, games, tributes in song and the sharing of breast cancer awareness information. Special guests were seven members of BCOP’s cancer support group, Sisterhood of Survivors. Two of its members shared brief testimonials of their breast cancer journey. Cancer Society of Eleuthera representatives also attended and brought remarks.
Lady Marilyn Symonette from Fountain of Life stated that, “It was an awesome night. I had a great time and learned a lot from the Breast Cancer survivors. Partnering with the Breast Cancer Program is important because we all unite as one, we are all in this fight together.”
The place beamed with excitement as persons of all ages eagerly took part in the fun with hopes of winning prizes.
Breast cancer facts were presented by Community Outreach Coordinator (COC), Maisie Thompson and newly appointed Community Outreach Assistant (COA), Shapreka Clarke facilitated stimulating ice breakers which got participants better acquainted with each other. Ms. Clarke also engaged participants in a fun-filled educational BINGO activity where everyone learned breast cancer related facts in an exciting way. Inspector Neilly of the Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force joined the facilitating team by leading games that had everyone laughing.
Additionally, everyone became more familiar with the partnering agencies of the Breast Cancer Outreach Program. These include One Eleuthera Foundation, Susan G. Komen and Cancer Society Eleuthera.
Delivering a five-minute inspirational talk was Mrs. Vernalee Miller who reiterated the importance of taking care of the body. Mrs. Miller likened the body to a temple saying, “Each of us has the responsibility of keeping [our temple] healthy and clean.”
The mistress of ceremony for the night was Mrs. Fontella Knowles, member of Fountain of Life Kingdom Ministries.
Attendants unquestionably received important facts and statistics relating to breast cancer in the Bahamas. Ladies were left with the breast self-awareness message to: Know your risks, Get screened, Know what is normal for you and Make healthy lifestyle choices. Breast cancer literature packages were distributed to all and each were encouraged to share the material with other women who were not in attendance.
The night ended with everyone sharing light eats and fellowship.
Here is some feedback received from persons following the event:
President of the Cancer Society of Eleuthera thought the event was, “Awesome! It was a fantastic way to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month. I thought the information shared was timely and very informative”.
Kayla Ferguson thought, “It was a great event. I really enjoyed myself. My favorite part was games because it gave everyone a chance to participate and have fun.”
Lady Marilyn Symonette from Fountain of Life stated that, “It was an awesome night. I had a great time and learned a lot from the Breast Cancer survivors. Partnering with the Breast Cancer Program is important because we all unite as one, we are all in this fight together.”
Written by: Maisie Thompson
To learn more about this and other One Eleuthera Foundation projects visit www.oneeleuthera.org.