Massive turnout at GTT, GCF Cancer Awareness walk/run

By Vahnu Manikchand

Hundreds of people turned out for the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) and the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) ‘Pinktober’ breast cancer awareness 5K/10K Walk Run on Saturday morning to show their support for Guyanese women living with and those who would have survived cancer.

The event was the signature activity under the ‘Pinktober’ initiative – a month-long activity aimed at increasing awareness of breast cancer and pushing for more actions to be taken in the fight against the phenomenon. ‘Pinkotber’ is being celebrated under the theme “Together we can make a difference.”
The inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk and run, and 10K run saw the turnout of more than two thousand participants. The event kicked off from Middle and Waterloo Streets and proceeded into Church Street, then into Irving Street unto Lamaha and then Camp Street into Parade Ground where balloons were released into the sky in remembrance of the lives lost to the illness.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT Justin Nedd thanked the participants for showing up and for their continued contributions towards the ‘Pinktober’ initiative.
“This is the largest crowd seen at a walk in Guyana and that is because cancer is something that affects each and every one of us. We all know someone who was or is affected by cancer or who knows someone that was or is,” Nedd stated.
He further told Guyana Times that the tremendous turn out is a representation that Guyanese care for and support cancer victims.
“It’s really all about love and we are really showing our love by being here. This is something that we will absolutely continue to do,” assured the boss of the telecommunication giant.

Meanwhile, founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan, also expressed appreciation to the masses of participants. She said she hopes that each of them will take something away with them, whether it’s to inspire hope for a survivor or even to share knowledge and raise awareness within their communities.
“Let us unite to fight against breast cancer, spread hope, strength and courage… and ultimately eradicate breast cancer in Guyana,” urged the cancer advocate.
Another major sponsor of the walk/run was JSL International, which donated the medals and trophies to winners of the 5K walk and the 5K and 10K runs.
Managing Director of the US-based company, Javid Ramcharitar, noted that the impact of cancer on society is phenomenal and JSL International believes everyone has a role to play in the ongoing fight.
“As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2017, we are provided with an important opportunity to highlight one of the most critical health issues impacting women around the globe today. There could not be a more fight-fitting theme for today’s event than “together we can make a difference,” he said.
According to Ramcharitar, through the support of Government, NGOs, private organisations and humanitarians, his company will continue to join efforts in Guyana to fight against cancer and to continue to save lives.
“With technology, science, medical-breakthroughs coupled with motivation, selfless perseverance and determination by each one of you, today gives us hope that we will be able to save much more lives in Guyana – one woman at a time, each day, every day,” he resounded.
He further called on Guyanese to draw attention to healthier choices, educating each other, sharing information about resources that are available, highlighting the importance of early screening, self-breast examinations and improved medical and support services.
While the outpouring of support shown at Saturday’s event was overwhelming, Ramcharitar urged that this response be reflected in combating efforts throughout the year.
“Let us renew our hope, our vision, our faith and our conviction and draw the strength and resilience of our Guyanese people to welcome the day when all Guyanese women are subjected to not only early detection but initiatives for the prevention of breast cancer.”

Also present at the awareness walk/run was Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, who told this newspaper that the success of the event has made her emotional. She gave a “hats off” commendation to the organisers especially GTT, whom she said really did more to highlight this importance cause.
“Women really need to feel empowered to check and ensure good health for themselves and for their families, and this is what we’re out here to celebrate and raise awareness for. Most importantly, I want to ‘big up the men’; there are so many here today on this walk and they are supporting the women. Guyana is really great; I’m reminded of that fact, that we really are just one!”
On the other hand, US Ambassador Perry Holloway and his wife also joined the walk to show their support of the cause. Ambassador Holloway told the participants in a brief speech that the only way to make cancer a thing of the past for future children and grandchildren is through education and awareness, through events like this, by giving our time as carekeepers, caregivers and giving money to help with research.
Meanwhile, Guyana Times caught up with a survivor, Hazel, who has been cancer-free for the past five years. Her message to Guyanese women is to get their breasts examined.
“Get it checked, have the strength to do what you need to do because early diagnosis can save your life. I want to tell people that everything has a stage, everything has a side effect but we have to have the willpower to fight. So this morning I’m encouraging women to get out there and do your test, accept your struggle and move on,” she stated.