Thousands support GTT’s Pinktober walk

Thousands of breast cancer awareness supporters braved the weather and turned up in a sea of pink on Saturday as they participated in GTT’s Pinktober Walk through the streets of Georgetown.
With matching bandanas, caps and T-shirts, the gathering assembled at D’Urban Park where they commenced their stride towards the Kitty roundabout and then back again to the initial meeting point.
Among the walkers in the crowd were persons who are battling the disease, survivors and others who simply welcomed the inventiveness of this event to broaden awareness on the impact of cancer on society.
During the walk, Guyana Times spoke to Tiffany Douglas who stated, “This walk has inspired many of us. For me, I had an aunt who died from breast cancer and she was a fighter for years.”
For her, the most effective way of combating any type of cancer is early detection since treatment can be provided at an early stage to eliminate the disease, thus saving more lives.
“Early detection. Go to the nearest hospital and do a yearly checkup because cancer is a silent killer; when it hits us, it really hits us. I have had more than one person in my family tree with breast cancer.”
For many partnering organisations, the colossal turnout of both the young and old gives them the motivation to continue this venture in the coming years, with the expectation that it will be even grander.
ANSA McAL’s non-alcoholic portfolio head, Errol Nelson reassured, “The turnout was very resounding with all the supporters that came out. We all know someone in Guyana that has been struggling with this disease that has been plaguing our society so we have to play our part and help to raise funds to let them know that we support them.”
On the healthier side of things, Live Proactive was among the fitness-conscious groups that participated in the Pinktober activities.
Founder of the organisation, Keba Murray, noted that persons were given the chance to participate in zumba, tai-chi, yoga, self defence, martial arts and karate.
“We advocate for holistic wellness so we’re not only looking at nutrition and exercise but environmental wellness and all the others,” said Murray.
According to Justin Nedd, Chief Executive Officer of GTT, “making Guyana healthier” is one of the underlying agendas of the walk which is backed by several activities that were hosted during the month of October.
Nedd advocated, “We really need to raise awareness and what this event is about is raising awareness, raising money for treatment and to get the message out there. We really need a health society and this is about making Guyana healthier.”
He added, “As a country, we are heading in the right direction and GTT is really proud to be leading that so I would expect in the coming years, this will be better and we will be raising more funds to take care of society.”