-to raise awareness of breast cancer
‘EARLY DETECTION Saves Lives’ was the theme under which scores of persons rallied on Saturday as they participated in the annual Avon Fitness Walk for a Cure for Breast Cancer.
The purposeful journey, which began at Parade Ground, on Middle Street, was undertaken by supportive individuals and organizations alike who ventured out of their homes at 06:00 hours.
Accompanied by the beat of drums, they marched through the streets, young and old, survivors and spokespersons, their chants of the theme resonating before them as together they championed the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The early morning air was thick with resolute meaning, even as the supporters reassembled at the end of their walk, their faces marked with determination and gaiety at having participated in yet another activity to raise funds and bring awareness to countless women across the country.
Addressing supporters at the end of the walk, CEO of Avon, Ms. Ann Singh expressed her gratitude to the gathering for their continued support of the worthy cause throughout the years, and encouraged them to continue to spread the message and to advocate for a cure.
“I lost my mother this year to breast cancer, and when this event was started five years ago, I never thought I would be personally affected,” she revealed, adding: “I will continue to fight.”
She pointed out that as an organization run and supported primarily by women, Avon has become one of the biggest donors in the fight to spread breast cancer awareness and to lobby for a cure.
“We have decided to bring awareness to the women population of Guyana; there is much more to be done with your support,” Singh said.
Alluding to the volume of response they’ve received over the past five years, she indicated that the event has since grown to include not only supporters from the local community but has gained foreign recognition as well.
“The turnout is great; people from all sections of society are here, and this is telling us that our voices are being heard,” she said.
Singh also disclosed that there are plans underway to build a ‘Chemo-care’ centre in Guyana to facilitate treatment, and to help spread the message of early detection, with the intention that all women across the country will be cognizant of the dangers of the disease along with the importance taking care of their bodies.
Singh lauded the efforts of the sponsors and expressed their heartfelt thanks to them all, including Digicel, Medi-Care Pharmacy, Giftland Office Max, Deluxe Trading and M&M Snackette among others.
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.
A 20-member group from the European Union (EU) was also present to lend their support to the cause, and according to Head of the EU Delegation, Mr.Geert Meirkens, the issue of awareness and lobbying for cure is a very important one.
“This is an extremely important issue and we are here to support this event,” adding, “I too have lost a very close friend to this disease,” he said.
Following the walk, there was a fundraising sale of Avon Products next to the Avon Office on Camp Street. The event culminated with a Candlelight Evening of Reflections (on October 24) for survivors at the Georgetown Club.