THE Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) /Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run/Walk is scheduled for tomorrow in New Kingston.

The organisers are inviting runners and fun lovers to register for a day of competition and camaraderie as they seek to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Jamaica Cancer Society.Carolind Graham, chairperson of Jamaica Reach to Recovery, expressed her delight at the growth of the Pink Run/Walk, and hopes for its continued expansion, both in bringing awareness to the fight against breast cancer and financially. She says the funds raised play a key role in assisting women to access life-saving tests and treatments.

“This run is a crucial source of funding for Reach to Recovery as it enables us to help women, who are diagnosed with breast cancer to get the care needed to live long productive lives,” Graham said.

She said that many people are unaware of the costs of diagnostic tests and treatment, as well as the effects this disease has on individuals and their families. She added that the run also serves as a means of spreading the message of the importance of regular screenings, as early diagnosis is a big part of successful treatment.

Samantha Samuda, vice-president of ICWI and chairperson of the Pink Run/Walk, said usually the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are within the millions and generally out of the reach of many Jamaican women.

“Breast cancer is one of those ailments that can be mentally, physically and financially devastating, not only for the women who are diagnosed, but also for the families and friends. I think with the support of Jamaica and the Diaspora we can make a big difference in health care accessibility and delivery to provide some level of comfort and ease for women living with breast cancer in our society,” Samuda noted.

With pink being the colour associated with breast cancer worldwide, the event is named and themed as such, with ‘Tutus and Tall Socks’ being this year’s theme.

Jamaica Reach to Recovery is an affiliate of the Jamaica Cancer Society that provides emotional psychological and financial support to breast cancer survivors. It consists of volunteers, all of whom are breast cancer survivors, whose roles, in addition to those previously mentioned, also includes providing information and counseling to breast cancer survivors, and by extension their families and friends.

Individuals and teams can register for the 5K Run/Walk by paying online at www.runningeventsja.com. Registration can also be done manually by submitting the completed entry forms and payment at the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Individual registration is $1,200, and team registration is $1,000 per person for teams consisting of 20 or more persons. Individuals can also register for the premium package at $3,000 which includes an official Pink Run shirt and complimentary post-race breakfast. There will be prizes for the best dressed team and best dressed individual.

— Gerald Reid