THE GTT Pinktober campaign in support of persons who are victims of breast cancer and other cancers, with support from all across Guyana was able to amass a total of$4,752,680.00.

The sum was on Wednesday presented to the President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation Bibi Hassan, who will use it to continue the foundation’s mission of saving lives.
The presentation of the cheque was done by GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samanatha Gooden, at a ceremony to mark the official closing of Pinktober activities at GTT’s Brickdam Headquarters

Key among fund-raisers was the GTT Pinktober Fund Raising Benefit Dinner, held at the Kokomo Room, Palm Court. The private and government sectors, the diplomatic community and private individuals all wholeheartedly supported the initiative.

Meanwhile, GTT’s Public Relations Manager Allision Parker said the evening provided opportunities for GTT Cancer Warriors to share their stories of survival and resilience.
Cancer Warriors, Anjuli Beharry-Strand, Marilyn Dewar, Mitzy Campbell, Rosaline Clarke, Leslie Black and Bibi Hassan were also honoured at the event as a show of recognition for their strength and their contributions to the fight against breast cancer.

However, the biggest and most successful event was the inaugural, GTT Pinktober 5K/10K Walk/Run on October 21, which attracted over 5,000 participants, according to Allison Parker.
She said registration for the event was $2,000 which allowed for $500 to be donated to the Guyana Cancer Foundation and provided participants with three–day mobile data plans, compliments of GTT.
In the package too, was a free ticket to two major upcoming shows which will soon be hosted in Guyana: The best gospel concert featuring Travis Green on November 3, or the best reggae concert featuring Chronixx on November 18.
Parker agreed, the 5K/10K Walk/Run provided a platform for every participant and over 200 volunteers to join in showing their support for the cause.

One of the most poignant moments, she recalled, was the release of 2000 pink helium balls, with each one representing someone who had lost the fight to cancer.
“There was a visible show of emotions from the thousands who gathered. The formation of the human ribbon gave those present an opportunity to join together to do and experience something which was never done before in Guyana,” Parker said.

Tracing the origin and objectives of Pinktober, Parker said when GTT launched the Pinktober initiative just over a month ago, it was unimaginable the impact the initiative would have had on the lives of thousands of persons and communities across Guyana.
GTT’s intention was to raise funds for the Guyana Cancer Foundation to bolster their programme of raising awareness and to facilitate screening with the aim of saving lives.
Several activities were done, which gave the general public a chance to team up with GTT to contribute to the cause and they responded positively.

Speaking at Thursday’s event, First Lady Sandra Granger commended GTT for the excellent work done during Pinktober.
Meanwhile, cancer warriors and others all shared their positive stories of being part of the Pinktober experience.
GTT’s Brand Ambassadors Saiku, Poonam and Drew Thoven presented framed mementos of the Human Pinktober Ribbon to co-sponsors, nurses and doctors who are all part of the fight against breast and other cancers.

At the conclusion of the programme, attendees were invited to light candles to symbolise the hope they hold for all the warriors.
They also wrote notes of hope and encouragement which were placed in a ‘box of hope’ to be read to those who are either afflicted or affected.