Jamaica Reach to Recovery assists 100 breast cancer survivors

CAROLIND Graham, chairperson, Jamaica Reach to Recovery, says the organisation was able to assist some 100 women affected by breast cancer with the $3.2 million it raised through various activities last year.

“That money was used to help them with their various tests and treatments, which can be quite expensive,” she said.

Graham, who was speaking at the launch of the JN Bank’s Power of Pink campaign on October 1, said the debilitating costs associated with breast cancer treatment can be as deadly as the disease itself.

She said this is why initiatives such as the JN Bank’s Power of Pink campaign are critical in not only raising awareness about the disease, but also in raising funds for breast cancer research and treatment.

“Many women find it difficult to access the treatment and the tests that they need to fight this disease, and this requires financial support. Therefore, the Power of Pink is another opportunity for us to assist women. It’s an opportunity for the JN Bank to join with Jamaica Reach to Recovery to give the gift of life to women who aren’t able to afford it,” she said.

Leesa Kow, deputy managing director, JN Bank, said the Power of Pink aims to celebrate and empower the ‘women warriors’ across Jamaica who are battling breast cancer, and honour those whom we have lost in the battle.

Data from the Jamaica Cancer Society reveals that one in every 21 women in Jamaica will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

“As a good corporate citizen, and in light of the alarming statistics, we recognised that we needed to do more, especially when one considers the tremendous national socio-economic impact that breast cancer has on our society,” Kow said.

Research shows that the high cost of treating the disease has led to bankruptcy for many Jamaican families. The indirect effect on productivity for those directly affected and also for those caring for these warriors has also been significant. Breast cancer, therefore, poses a major public health challenge and a threat to national, economic and social development.

Kow said JN Bank is therefore committed to supporting the research that will one day lead to a cure for this disease that has impacted so many families.

Among the activities that JN Bank has planned for the month of October is a “Solidarity Day” on Friday, October 19, when Jamaicans across the country are invited to unite in celebration of the lives of those whom we have lost in the battle with breast cancer.

“On that day we will offer free health checks and advice about cancer at our chief office in Half-Way-Tree. We will also be offering, free of charge, a limited edition Power of Pink debit card at all our branches across the country. The debit cards will be available for distribution while stocks last,” Kow informed.

She noted that at 6:00 pm the bank will also host a special candle-lighting ceremony in the car park.

“We will celebrate the lives of the warriors who are no longer with us. And we invite both warriors and the loved ones of warriors to join us and light a candle for either themselves or for someone they have lost,” Kow stated.

Proceeds from the campaign will support the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery.

People can also make donations to Jamaica Reach to Recovery via the iSupportJamaica crowdfunding platform. Contributing to any initiative via the platform is simple and secure. Interested persons can donate by visiting the iSupport Jamaica.com platform at www.isupportjamaica.com, click on the project; and then click the “Fund Project” button.

In addition, donations can also be made via credit card, JN Live E-banking, by visiting any JN Branch or MoneyShop. and through interbank transfers.