BAHAMAS:Cancer Support Groups Receive $84,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure

#Nassau, June 6, 2018 – Bahamas – “More cancer patients will be assisted with the purchase of 90 medical ports and needles using funds received from last year’s ‘Walk for the Cure,’” said Andrea Sweeting, President of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group.

“The ports are surgically-inserted medical units needed for chemotherapy. One infusion, or one treatment, of chemotherapy can take up to three needles,” she said.

Representatives from the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group applauded the progress made in cancer awareness and their success in helping patients receive life-changing support and treatment in The Bahamas, largely thanks in part to funding received from CIBC FirstCaribbean’s “Walk for the Cure.”

At a cheque presentation the two New Providence-based organizations, along with several others throughout the Family Islands, recently received a donation of $84,000 from the bank’s sixth annual Walk for the Cure fundraising efforts. Ms. Sweeting said the money will directly help patients in need of chemotherapy.

According to Judith Higgs, Secretary of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s donation will support the care of Family Island cancer patients by going towards the ongoing maintenance of the Society’s Cancer Caring Center.

“The Cancer Caring Center provides temporary accommodation for cancer patients from the Family Islands who need to come to Nassau for treatment.  It is a home-away-from home; a place of comfort, security and tranquillity.  The two-storey building has 10 double rooms with private baths and adjoining patios and all overlook a beautifully landscaped garden.  There is no charge for patients during their stay with us, however long it might be,” she said. “We couldn’t do this without the funding from CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure.

“Since the start of the ‘Walk for the Cure’ the general public has been made more aware of the great numbers of people and their families who have been affected by cancer, as shown by the increasing number of participants in the event,” she added. “Hopefully, it will continue to get bigger and better.”

Ms. Sweeting said, “The 2017 ‘Walk for the Cure’ was an awesome morning. It was very comforting to see persons – even those being pushed or with their rollers – out there to support it. People were congregating and relaxed – it was a real sense of community and support. I appreciated that and look forward to this year’s event.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean is now planning for the October 6, 2018 “Walk for the Cure,” an event that attracts more than 700 walkers across four islands.  Marketing Manager and Walk Manager Nikia Christie said, “This cause resonates with the community, so we hope it will once again attract a cadre of blue-chip clients and sponsors.”

Release: Serena Williams Media & PR

Photo Caption: Andrea Sweeting, President of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean has stood up to the test as a corporate sponsor, so we’re truly proud of them and the success of the Walk for the Cure.” L to R: CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen; President of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas Dr. Williamson Chea; Secretary of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Judith Higgs; President of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group Andrea Sweeting; and CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director, Customer Relationship & Management Strategy, Trevor Torzsas. Photo credit: Vado Culmer