IN the face of rising costs and resource challenges in the battle against breast cancer, JN Money customers have rallied to make a significant impact, contributing $1 million to Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and its affiliate arm, Jamaica Reach to Recovery, to help address critical funding gaps.

The funds were presented to representatives from the cancer support organisations recently.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Jamaican women.

In support of combating it and continuing its tradition of giving back, JN Money offered customers in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica the opportunity to contribute funds as part of the JN Group’s annual ‘Take the Brave Steps’ campaign held in October 2024.

Sanya Wallace, assistant general manager, strategy, marketing and sales at JN Money, said the initiative highlights the importance of collective action in combating the life-threatening disease and underscores JN Money’s dedication to empowering the communities it serves, as well as supporting individuals and families in need.

“Our customers, across all markets, have continuously demonstrated their generosity and compassion. Even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, they united to offer support,” said Wallace.

“This donation again reflects their selflessness and also our commitment as an organisation to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We are proud to present this donation to the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery to support some critical programmes and activities that offer hope and support to breast cancer survivors and their families,” added Wallace.

In welcoming the donation, Michael Leslie, acting executive director of JCS, said it will help the organisation to strengthen its screening programmes and education activities.

He said JCS, which provides mammography screening for breast cancer at a subsidised cost, conducts up to 40 tests per day, reaching close to 200 every week.

“Early detection is key to improving survival rates and giving individuals a better chance at recovery and an improved quality of life,” said Leslie.

In the meantime, Sandra Samuels, president of Jamaica Reach to Recovery, shared that the donation will help them to continue providing financial, psychological, and other vital support to individuals affected by breast cancer.

She said, among other things, the group helps cover treatment costs for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Each person is usually allocated $100,000, which can be used for tests, scans (including bone and needle biopsies), and medication.

Samuels pointed out that to access this assistance people must provide a referral from their doctor, along with a related invoice, as the organisation does not disburse cash directly to beneficiaries.

This process, she explained, ensures transparency and guarantees that the funds are used for their intended purpose.

“We are grateful for the contributions made by the JN Money customers, especially because many women cannot even find the first dollar to start the process of recovery, and fighting breast cancer is extremely expensive. The $100,000 we allot per person may sound like a lot to some people, but really it is a ‘tups in the bucket’ if you’re diagnosed with the disease,” said Samuels.

“Donations like these are so important to charities like ours as they assist us to aid underserved women who may otherwise not be able to access support during their difficult breast cancer journey,” added Samuels.