IN a move to continue in its support of breast cancer survivors across the island, Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R) and the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) have announced their goal of raising $20 million for the annual Pink Run, dubbed ‘Miles of Hope’ this year.

The announcement was made at a recent press launch at Toyota Jamaica, a gold sponsor of the event.

Proceeds from the October 27 event will go toward providing lifesaving treatments and essential support for men and women battling breast cancer, as well as their families.

The launch was addressed by Dr Tamu Davidson, director of non-communicable diseases and injury prevention at the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

She emphasised the importance of regular health checks and praised JR2R for its dedication and tireless efforts in organising the Pink Run.

Guest speaker attorney-at-law Rochelle Cameron, founder and CEO of Prescient Consulting Services Ltd, highlighted the critical role of community support in the fight against the disease.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, breast cancer remains the leading cancer affecting women in Jamaica, accounting for 35 per cent of all females with the disease.

The incidence rate of breast cancer in Jamaica is 71 per 100,000 women and JR2R says the urgent need for early detection, particularly for women in rural areas, is a priority.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation says while breast cancer in men is rare, men do carry a higher breast cancer mortality rate than women, primarily because men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer and are overall less aware of breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.

Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R, emphasised the significance of the Pink Run in supporting breast cancer patients, particularly women.

“The mothers are the backbone of the families in Jamaica. The loss of the woman in the household changes the family structure in a devastating way. With knowledge and early detection of breast cancer, the chance of survival increases significantly. The Pink Run helps many women who are not able to afford breast cancer procedures,

“JR2R assists with up to $100,000 per individual while finances last. Many times, women have to choose between feeding their families or accessing much-needed medication, procedures or just simple screening after discovering the lump. Women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and up, show up to hospitals and clinics with late or end-stage breast cancer, which is untenable,” said Samuels.

She pointed out that by October 2023, JR2R had disbursed just under $2.3 million to 104 applicants for various assistance requests for women in need of critical help with the spend ranging from $12,500 to $100,000.

“As the awareness builds, this number will also increase; therefore, we continue to work assiduously towards giving more assistance in the future,” added Samuels.

The JR2R ICWI Pink Run raised $11.5 million in 2023 with the money used to help cover partial payments for surgeries, needle biopsies, medication, scans, mammograms, prosthesis, brasseries, and ultrasounds.

ICWI took the decision to provide support to the breast cancer survivor community in the countries that it operates and JR2R was recognised as a worthy local partnership.

Following the partnership, the Pink Run was formed and grew to become the second-largest running event in Jamaica. This will be ICWI’s 10th year as title sponsor.

Speaking about the formation of the partnership with JR2R, Samantha Samuda, ICWI, vice-president of marketing, distributions and human resources, said, “The ICWI Group Foundation was searching for a cause to champion, one that we felt our staff across the Caribbean could get behind and one that would have a far reaching impact in many lives.

“As a family company, with a lot of heart and a proud history of nation-building, we reached out to our partners at the Jamaica Cancer Society who introduced us to the fabulous ladies at Jamaica Reach to Recovery. Once we started dialogue with them, and heard the heart-warming and heart-wrenching stories, it was a no-brainer for us to jump on board to help bolster their needs.

Samuda added: “Furthermore, we felt the cause didn’t get enough attention, and we wanted to do our part to help out. After 10 years of working with the team at Jamaica Reach to Recovery we know first-hand the struggles they go through, not only their own personal struggle of ‘being a survivor themselves’ , but being faced with the harsh reality of what that diagnosis brings with it on a daily basis. I encourage corporate Jamaica and potential donors to get involved, lend a helping hand and help to save a life by taking part in some way. Walk, run, participate, donate, and feel the love.”