From left: STUCO CEO Beulah Simmons-Merkman, Fred Cuvalay, Sharday Bennet and Corrinha Haynes showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the STUCO office.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Persons and several businesses on the island have been wearing the colour pink to show solidarity with those who have been affected by breast cancer. The month is observed around the world as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
From left: Gertrude Judson Bicentennial Public Library staff members Julissa Woodley and Gloria “Patsy” Blijden displaying their pink gear and decorations.
Staff members at St. Eustatius Utility Company STUCO, Gertrude Judson Bicentennial Public Library, Eutel and other businesses on the island were seen wearing pink shirts. Many of these businesses decorated their offices or businesses in pink or similar items to show support to breast cancer survivors and their families. Donation boxes for the non-profit organisation Golden Rock Cancer Awareness Foundation were installed at various offices and businesses on the island.
The foundation spreads awareness about cancer and always encourages persons to be aware of changes with their body and to seek out a doctor if something does not feel right.
The Cancer Awareness Foundation reminds persons that early detection is the key to saving lives. It is also challenging the community by asking persons to wear pink every Friday or if they know a breast cancer survivor, to give her or him a pink rose and to wear a ribbon or pin for the entire month of October.
In an effort for women and men to take their health into their own hands, Queen Beatrix Medical Centre (QBMC) and the Cancer Awareness Foundation have organised free breast examinations.
The first date is set for Thursday, October 15, with Dr. Sharda Baboe conducting the examinations. On Friday, October 16, Dr. Michelle van Tongerloo will see patients. The third scheduled examination will be conducted by Dr. Dorette Courtar on Monday, October 19.
The appointments will be set up to allow doctors to see their patients on their designated date from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Examinations will be conducted at QBMC. The organisations are requesting that persons wishing to take advantage of this free screening opportunity first call the hospital at 599-318-2371.
