–as annual cancer-awareness march turns 19

HUNDREDS of Lindeners turned out in support of the ‘Women on the Move: Walk, Ride or Jog Cancer Awareness Movement’ on Sunday, as they flooded the streets of Mackenzie and Wismar, bedecked in their pink attire.

Sunday marked 19 years the cancer awareness march has been held in Linden, and with each passing year, its support keeps growing.
The event was held under the theme ‘Pink All Over’, and saw hundreds of residents marching as individuals, families, social groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies and schools.

Among entities participating in the march were the Linden Hospital Complex; the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); the Region Ten Police Division; Republic Bank; and the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). In total, there were in excess of 15 banners, in addition to groups which marched in memory of family members and friends who lost the fight to cancer.

While pink was the colour of choice this year, the march was not only in recognition of the fight against breast cancer, but all forms of cancer, including those affecting men.
The march commenced at strategic points on the Wismar shore, and culminated at the Mackenzie Sports Club, where a short sensitisation programme was held. There, participants were treated to short talks on preventative measures to be taken to prevent cancer.

Prizes were then presented for the best banner; largest contingent; best chant; and best attire among other categories. The One Mile Primary School copped the ‘Best Dress’ prize, while the Region Ten Police Division walked away with the ‘Best Chant’ prize.
The march also placed emphasis on those survivors still fighting the disease, particularly those residing in Linden. Survivors who were unable to participate in the march were visited at their homes by members of ‘Women on The Move,’ and were presented with hampers.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Valarie Yearwood, also presented survivors with plants, as a means of encouraging them to exercise through gardening, and to see plants as a useful source of alternative medicine as well.

**On Thursday, a candlelight vigil was held to incorporate the spiritual aspect of the activity and to give relatives and friends a chance to reflect on those who would have passed.

In 2000, Women on the Move hosted the first cancer awareness race for women and the event was restructured since then, to include the growing participation of men. Public Information Officer of Women on the Move, Cammille Cummings, related that awareness has indeed grown in Linden in recent years as a result of the event. Business owners are decorating their stores in pink throughout October, while residents are wearing the colour daily.

Designers are even prioritising the creation of pink attire for clients, during the month. The group, she said, will continue to fight cancer through spreading the gospel of awareness.