24/10/2024
Walk For the Cure Crosses the 13 year mark with hundreds of St. Lucians walking for hope
By CIBC
CIBC Caribbean's Walk for the Cure (WFTC), the Caribbean's largest cancer fundraiser, celebrated its 13th anniversary powered by the loyalty of scores of walkers in the island’s North and South on October 6 and 20th.
The annual region-wide fundraising walk is a flagship activity of the bank administered via its ComTrust Foundation.
CIBC Caribbean's country teams marshaled over 550 participants across the two events - a northern walk on October 6th and a southern walk on October 20th. The bank aims to meet or exceed last year's fundraising total of EC$50,000. All proceeds will support the vital services provided by local beneficiary partners, Faces of Cancer and Saint Lucia Cancer Society, who assist individuals and families coping with cancer.
CIBC Caribbean’s Country Head Nigel Ollivierre kicked off both events with an inspiring welcome, emphasizing the importance of community support in the fight against cancer. In his remarks Mr. Ollivierre also expressed enthusiasm about the event's longevity: "Thirteen years on, the spirit of Walk for the Cure remains strong. This year's participation numbers reflect the unwavering commitment of Saint Lucians to support those affected by cancer and to contribute to finding a cure."
President of Faces of Cancer Ms. Dorothy Philip was on hand for both events. In thanking participants Ms. Philip highlighted the value of education and information for early detection. She stressed the importance of breast cancer risk assessment by age 25, as recommended by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Participants learned about the updated U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, which now suggest biennial screening mammography for women ages 40 to 74. "Early detection is crucial. We're advising women with a family history of breast cancer to start screening ten years before the age at which their relative was diagnosed. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in outcomes, " Ms. Philip reiterated, with a call to action to younger participants to become breast health ambassadors in their communities.
In extending the banks gratitude to all participants, corporate sponsors, and volunteers who made this year's Walk for the Cure a resounding success, Mr. Olliverre reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to “maintaining this annual walk as a symbol of hope and a demonstration of solidarity with those affected by cancer in Saint Lucia and across the Caribbean.
Donations for Walk for the Cure 2024 will remain open until year end. Those wishing to contribute can do so at any CIBC Caribbean Bank branch via Account #106995550.
To date CIBC Caribbean has raised over $5 million across its regional footprint, thanks to the unwavering support of corporate sponsors, employees, clients, and the general public. The funds are channeled through cancer support agencies to purchase equipment for cancer treatment, provide care and counseling to patients and their families, and enhance awareness efforts across the Caribbean.
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