By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

Following the success of the 16th annual Cancer Society of the Bahamas ball here in Nassau last weekend, the Society’s Eleuthera branch is now doing its share to raise awareness and educate their populace about the life-threatening disease.

This month, the calendar for Cancer Society of Eleuthera (CSE) is filled with numerous activities as the organisation continuously promotes cancer prevention, the importance of early detection and treatment.

May is officially Cancer Awareness Month and the Eleuthera branch has ramped up its efforts over the past few weeks to ensure Bahamians are fully aware of the disease and take the necessary steps to prevent it.

So far, the Eleuthera Cancer Society has hosted two major events, including its very first prayer breakfast, which was held at on May 6 at the CSE.

It consisted of a morning of fellowship and prayer with survivors and fellow residents. The following day, the annual church service was held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Governor’s Harbour. Members of the Society and survivors alike were given words of encouragement for their journeys. 

Next up for CSE is the poetry slam/open mic event on May 27, which will be used as a platform to bring awareness of the various types of cancers that plague our community and the pain that survivors, families and friends go through, said Chinnici McDonald, an CSE administrator. 

The event is a first of its kind on the island and she said and the CSE anticipates that it will be a huge success.  

“With such alarming cancer rates in our Bahamian people, we would want our people to be more concerned with their bodies. Firstly, know what is normal. Take self breast exams. Get annual check-ups. Make conscious efforts in cutting back on the amount of bad food choices we allow into our bodies every day. We must start exercising. We must make healthy lifestyle choices for a healthy body, healthy mind,” Ms McDonald told Tribune Health. 

One of the major highlights for the organisation is its annual Hope Ball, which was held earlier this year to great acclaim.

The Eleuthera branch of the Cancer Society was the first Family Island branch to be established.

Launched in 1985, it was the brainchild of founding member of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, Frances Christie, herself a cancer survivor.

Mrs Christie enlisted the help of Correne Sands, a resident of Palmetto Point, and named her the first president of the branch, a post she held for 23 years.

Mrs Sands was also a cancer survivor who had met Mrs Christie when she was undergoing treatment.

Since then, the CSE has had three other women to hold the post as president, including Kathy Berner, also a breast cancer survivor since 1999; Juanita Pinder (2009 - 2015), and Jacqueline Gibson, who is the current president.

“We create programmes to educate our people on the disease of cancer and to promote wellness amongst our people by encouraging them to develop healthy eating habits and adding exercise to their daily lives, thereby decreasing their risks of developing cancer. As we continue to use our building as a hub of activity where people can come for support and information, we are developing strategic outreach campaigns across the island to promote cancer awareness and create solidarity amongst our residents and to build our network of volunteers,” said Ms McDonald.