As October 1 officially kicked off breast cancer awareness month, $100,000 from the 2018 Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for The Cure was distributed to four civic organizations on Monday.
The proceeds were split between the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, the Sister-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, the Grand Bahama arm of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Foundation.
The 2018 race was held in January, but as customary, the funds were released at the launch of the new race date, which has been slated for January 19, 2019.
Thousands of Bahamians and tourists participate in the annual gathering, which is geared toward raising funds to assist in the fight against cancer.
Over the last five years the race has been able to donate $50, 000 dollars yearly, but this year they doubled that donation. The recipients of the generous donation said they are ecstatic to receive the monetary assistance.
“All of this effort toward heightening awareness is something that’s really great,” said Sudan Roberts, Founder, Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
“This race weekend gives so much awareness to our fight against cancer and makes every single person in The Bahamas so much more aware of the plight.
“Thank You, for doubling the gift this year. It’s truly amazing and its honestly hard to let you know how much we appreciate it, but trust me we do.”
Dr. Vernon Davis, Administrative Officer, PMH, shared that previous donations afforded the healthcare institution the privilege to purchase some much-needed equipment.
“Through your efforts we have been able to purchase, in the hospital, a state of the art digital mammogram machine which helps with early detection and then we’ve also been able to purchase new chairs for those receiving chemotherapy as well,” he said.
“So, we know that this year’s donation will go a long way.”
The Cancer Society of The Bahamas, which has branches in New Providence and Grand Bahama, shared that the Race for The Cure has fueled a number of their initiatives and that the increased monetary donation received Monday is a welcomed surprise.
“Cancer seems to be at an all-time high in Grand Bahama so these funds will help us tremendously with trying to get persons well and to also provide them with assistance to travel to Nassau for treatment,” shared Lorine Miller, Grand Bahama Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
Persons who are interested in supporting the 9th annual Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure Bahamas are encouraged to register online at komenbahamas.com.
One hundred per cent of the net proceeds raised by the race weekend remains in The Bahamas.
