New Amsterdam unites in Cancer Awareness ride  

…as Mayor shares personal experience

The streets of New Amsterdam on Saturday witnessed residents, community leaders, and health advocates taking part in a cancer awareness cycle ride organised by local fitness enthusiast Eli Hazel, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Complex.
The event, held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sought to promote early detection, healthy living, and community support for those affected by cancer.

As the cyclists made their lap around the town, their message was clear: cancer may touch lives, but together, through awareness, compassion, and action, New Amsterdam is determined to keep hope alive.
Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, addressing participants at the start of the event, expressed gratitude to everyone who joined the ride, emphasising that while October is recognised globally for breast cancer awareness, the fight extends to all forms of the disease.
“The reality is we have many forms of cancer, and it is a concern that so many people are being diagnosed,” he noted.

The Mayor explained that the collaboration with Hazel aimed to blend advocacy with physical wellness, reinforcing the importance of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“It is very important for us to incorporate exercise as part of our daily routine. Championing the cause of healthy lifestyle practices is essential to our existence as a community,” Mayor McIntosh said.
He urged residents to undergo regular health screenings, noting that early detection means early cure. The Mayor noted that the event was deeply personal, dedicating the ride to his wife, Shoba McIntosh, who is a cervical cancer survivor.
“Living with an individual who is a cancer patient or a survivor – support is essential to the process… As we speak right now, somebody somewhere in the world is drawing their last breath because of cancer. This ride is about hope and resilience,” McIntosh said emotionally.

He further dedicated the initiative to families who have lost loved ones, remembering local philanthropist Marva Gordon and his late aunt-in-law Eslyn Bob, both of whom succumbed to the disease.
Meanwhile, Shoba McIntosh, addressing the gathering, shared her personal journey of survival and faith, offering words of encouragement to others battling cancer.
“This initiative is quite a motivation for me. For those persons who are in that shell, afraid to speak out or seek help, you are not helping yourself. Support is out there, and every day that I wake, it’s a blessing.”
She credited her recovery and perseverance to her family, faith, and the encouragement of the New Amsterdam community.
“Many days aren’t my bright days, but I still push forward; when I look at my two children, I know I have to fight. My strength is renewed from them, from God, and from everyone’s support.”
McIntosh is encouraging women to prioritise regular medical check-ups and to speak openly about their health.
“Check yourself, women. Ensure all is well. Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it affects their entire family,” she said.

Global Cancer Context
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths each year, roughly one in six deaths globally. The most common forms include breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers.
However, the WHO notes that up to 40 per cent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and engaging in early screening and vaccination programmes.
Globally, October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the power of education and community action in saving lives. Events such as the New Amsterdam cycle ride play a vital role in promoting early detection and providing emotional support to those affected.