Digicel makes donation to Avon Breast Cancer Walk

Oct 11, 2013 Sports

As part of observances to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month, observed in October, Avon Community Health Fund (ACHF) has been organising a Fitness Walk aimed at heightening awareness and education of the disease.
This year will be no different with the walk set to be held this Saturday starting at Parade Ground, Middle Street from 06:00hrs. At the launch of the Second Annual Digicel Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race yesterday, Digicel’s Head of Sales and Distribution, Ms. Nalini Vieira made a donation to ACHF towards Saturday’s activity.

Digicel’s Ms. Nalini Vieira (4th right) presents the cheque to Ms. Mignon Bowen. Also in photo are members of the ACHF.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of ACHF, Chairperson of the voluntary organization, Ms. Mignon Bowen thanked the entity whilst informing that this is the eight year that they are having awareness activities in Guyana.
“It gives me great pleasure to say thank you and to also recognize Digicel for this valued and important partnership with us.”
The gathering was told that ACHF initially started as a project but due to the tremendous feedback that was received from across Guyana with persons seeking information about breast cancer they were forced to move to the level of it becoming a programme.
“So here we are every year, every October heightening the awareness of breast cancer among women in Guyana but what is important is the financial support that we have been receiving from Digicel.”
ACHF refunds women the cost of doing mammograms (A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease) throughout the year.
“We want to break this barrier of the high costs for this particular test and one of the ways in doing that is to provide this service free of cost and Digicel has been in partnership with us to provide this service.”
Bowen noted that the organisation is voluntary in nature and the project is one of love, giving back to women all across Guyana. They have been many areas across the country and would always welcome organisations brining women together and inviting them to do presentations on breast cancer.
“”Let me take this opportunity to also thank Digicel for the introduction of the cycle race, it was very exciting last year, the competition was very stiff and I must thank Digicel for making things bigger and more competitive for cyclists.”
Ms. Bowen also stated that she is very encouraged that young men are getting the message of breast cancer awareness and education.
Saturday’s event will start at 06:00hrs at Parade Ground and those participating are asked to assemble at 05:30hrs.
The route is as follows, from Parade Ground, South into Waterloo Street, East into Church Street, North along Irving Street, West on Lamaha Street, South into Camp Street, West into Middle Street to finish at Parade Ground.
Participants are urged to wear pink for the walk, pink tee shirt for a small donation of $1000 are on sale at the Avon Office, Camp Street.
Meanwhile, ACHF is encouraging all Guyanese to wear pink on Friday as their way of showing support.