The strength and resilience of Aqua Mania Adventures’ long-time sales associate Kathleen “Kay” Rogers are among the inspirations behind the establishment’s move to have a Pink Sunset Sail in support of breast cancer awareness in October.
The 45-year-old Rogers, who has been with Aqua Mania for 18 years, is a cervical cancer survivor. The married mother of four describes herself as a hardworking, independent woman. A Capricorn born, Rogers sees herself as “a flower that blossoms.” She began working at Aqua Mania close to two decades ago after her ex helped her get the job. Rogers said she’s remained with the establishment because she loves her job and because of the loyalty and friendliness of her boss Debby Lind Steyn.
Tragedy struck her life when she found out she had cervical cancer after passing blood with pain in October 2012. A doctor initially told her that the blood and pain were normal, but after she went to get a second opinion, a doctor from Suriname operating at a local gynaecological clinic told her that it could be cervical cancer. She was sent to do a biopsy, which was sent to Curaçao. After two days, it was confirmed that she had cervical cancer. She then went to Curaçao and did a vasectomy – also in 2012.
She has not undergone any chemotherapy or other treatments, but she goes to Curaçao every five months for check-up to ensure that the cancer has not returned. Her determination, strength and faith in God have carried her through the tough moments. She said her toughest challenge was undergoing the operation and the pain she faced afterward: “I give everything to the Father Almighty.” She said the experience changed her life. She now encourages other women to get checked.
This is the first year Aqua Mania will be holding the Pink Sunset Sail as an awareness event and fundraiser for Positive and Elektralyets foundations. Rogers encourages women to get screened so that they can know what’s going on with their bodies and their health. For women already battling any form of cancer, she said, “Be brave and always remember that there is a God above guiding you.”
Rogers’ dream vacation is to go on a cruise with her family. She is also currently working towards her goal of building her own home. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, travelling, going to the movies, surfing the web and spending time with her family. She unwinds by listening to love songs from particularly Whitney Houston and Celine Dion and gospel music by Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.
