A sea of pink flooded the St. Thomas Waterfront apron late Friday, as the Department of Health’s Maternity and Child Health Division – in conjunction with Sports, Parks, and Recreation – drew hundreds out to their walk for Breast Cancer Awareness.
This is the third walk in as many years for the two agencies, which MCH Director Dr. Charmaine Mayers said is an opportunity for the community to show support for breast cancer survivors, honor those that have passed and encourage others to get their annual breast cancer screenings as a preventative measure.
Getting participants warmed up Friday was Bernard Douglas, who also encouraged the crowd to stay active and healthy year-round. Once lined up at the starting point, Tortola Wharf, the group trekked down to the Rising Stars Youth Steel Pan Orchestra yard near Havensight, before doubling back.
Mayers said breast cancer is the second highest cause of death for women, affecting one out of every eight – particularly women over 50. The disease is also found in one out of every 1,000 men, she said, proving that no one is immune.
“The key part is getting tested, getting those mammograms,” she said. “Early detection really saves lives. And for those who are impacted, we also encourage you to reach out. We’re a small community, and no one has to go through this alone – we are there to comfort and care for one another.”
