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Nine Challenging Months Births Single Mom’s Cancer Survival Testimony

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#TheBahamas, October 30, 2021 – In a span of nine challenging months last year, Anya Adderley overcame pneumonia, COVID-19, cancer related port placement and bilateral mastectomies surgeries, two emergency room visits, hospitalization, and sixteen rounds of chemotherapy.

“Every day I wake up, I am grateful and thankful,” says breast cancer survivor, Anya Adderley. “I look for the positive in everything that comes my way. If it’s anything to do with negativity, I just don’t take it on. Last year was the trial, this year is the testimony.”

The 44-year-old’s journey through these health-related challenges began after she felt a lump in her left breast during a self-examination. Anya, who had to postpone her annual physical due to the March 2020 start of COVID-19 travel restrictions, eventually brought the lump to her sister’s attention in September who advised she get it checked, which she did during her gynecologist check-up a few weeks later.

Following her doctor’s advisory and subsequent mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, Anya received the results noting malignancy and a Stage 2 Breast Cancer diagnosis.

“Mentally I was preparing myself for it because from the time I felt the lump and I felt it growing, I knew it would be possible for it to develop into breast cancer,” said Anya.

“I said to God, ‘I’m going to promise you two things and I ask one thing of you: whatever it is, please, just give me the strength to deal with it and I promise you: 1. I’ll never question you and 2. Never complain.’”

October 27 marked the day she received news that her place of work was ceasing operations. Anya, with just four months of health insurance available to her, had to process both difficult news items, but quickly started the process to plan the best way forward to beat breast cancer.

She said, “A lot of people treat cancer as a death sentence but I didn’t see it as that. I just saw it as something God brought me to, so I knew He would bring me through it. That was my belief that I held on to and still hold on to every day.”

Andre, Anya’s now 9-year-old son, was also the single mom’s source of motivation. Despite extreme hair and weight loss, soreness, mouth sores, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, giving up the fight and giving into cancer, was not an option.

Anya also thanks, for their continued support, her immediate family, which includes her mom, Edna, two sisters, Sabrina and Julanda, as well as other family members, friends, St. Andrew’s Church, and her work family from its George Town and East Street and Soldier Road locations.

Declared cancer free on July 19 2021, and now going through post-double mastectomy reconstruction, Anya’s advice is for everyone to pay attention to their body, to take their health seriously, get regular check-ups and physicals.

“Try to maximize being the best person you can be. Even if it is just giving someone a friendly smile or a kind gesture. Also, never believe that it cannot happen to you. Cancer has no respect- know that it can happen to you but just live your best life.

In The Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure has raised nearly half a million dollars for cancer care organizations in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera since inception.

The funds generated from the annual event are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients like Anya Adderley once was. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.

During October, CIBC FirstCaribbean encourages participants to walk any desired route and virtually interact with the bank by posting photos, videos, and screenshots from their fitness apps to Facebook and Instagram using the special social media hashtags #WalkfortheCureBAH2021 and #WeStillWalkfortheCure, and tagging the bank in their posts for a chance to win prizes.

Companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in this year’s 10th annual Walk for the Cure, purchase WFTC shirts, and donate to the Walk for the Cure account at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch or via online banking. All proceeds from shirt purchases and donations will go to local cancer care organizations. The Walk for the Cure Account Number is 201646737 and persons can contact WalkfortheCureBAH@cibcfcib.com for more information.

 

Photo Captions: 

Header: Andre, Anya’s son, was a source of motivation during her journey with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. As a single mom, she knew she had to live and push through to remain there for him.

Insert: Breast cancer survivor Anya Adderley’s advice is for everyone to pay attention to their body and take their health seriously. “If you’re diagnosed with it, seek motivation to fight cancer and never give up on yourself or your faith in God.”

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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos 

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

 

 

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The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.

President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.

 

He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays.  However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.

During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

 

He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra.  Do what your coaches said.  Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”

The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony.  The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.

Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m.  A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified  for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.   Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.

The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.

Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes,  officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.

“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”

He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.

“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated.  “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”

 

He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”

Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.

 

“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated.  “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”

“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.

“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris.  As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open.  Let the games begin.”

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