Sandals Foundation donates 140 mammograms for rural women
Published:Tuesday | October 24, 2023 | 12:08 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
The Sandals Foundation has supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the donation of 140 mammograms that have been earmarked for women in rural Jamaica.
The donation marks the foundation’s continued partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society and MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation.
The move is further supported by the Sandals Resorts’ retail shops and spas across the Caribbean that are donating proceeds from the sales of marked items to support ongoing public education, screening and support of women in the Caribbean.
“This year, we are proud to announce the added support of both retail shops and spas at our resorts, which have come on board to spread more awareness and make it possible for more women, including our team members, to take charge of their health through screenings,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation.
“We are grateful to be able to assist more women gain access to the services that can help to save lives,” Clarke added.
The campaign began earlier this month when the Sandals Foundation sealed a partnership with MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation, alongside Hospiten Montego Bay, and offered mammogram screening of 40 women in Westmoreland, including 10 team members from Sandals South Coast, Beaches and Sandals Negril resorts.
The tests formed part of a wider campaign to sensitise women on issues relating to the disease, and included medical presentations and psychological support.
KEY TO FIGHTING DISEASE
Chairperson and events coordinator of MistyBlue, Dorothy Satchwell, who is a cancer survivor, welcomed the support, noting that education and awareness campaigns are key to combatting the disease.
“As a survivor of breast cancer, I always say my double mastectomy has left me breastless, not breathless. Doing nothing is what leaves you breathless. This educational campaign is significant, because there are so many people who have misinformation as it relates to screening. It’s important to understand why you are doing the screening and how to help yourself and your families. Last year, the Sandals Foundation sponsored 30 mammograms. This year, that number has increased to 40. It has made a lot of difference,” Satchwell said.
The other 100 mammograms were assigned to the Jamaica Cancer Society St Ann St Mary Branch.
“Early detection saves lives. The Sandals Foundation has always been an integral part of the screening that we offer to the ladies of the St Ann and St, Mary community. We are very appreciative of the partnership which will this year serve 100 women,” said Daidrey DaSilva, branch manager.
Both organisations will continue the awareness campaign into the month of November, with Hospiten Montego Bay facilitating mammogram screening until the end of November, and the Jamaica Cancer Society staging its 5th ‘Paint Ochi Pink” event on November 19, 2023.
The annual healthcare support forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) Programme which provides mentorship, education, training and other tools needed to help marginalised women find inspiration and strength to transform their lives.