How a mother's battle with breast cancer inspired her daughter's advocacy

How a mother’s battle with breast cancer inspired her daughter’s advocacy

Oct 07, 2018 News

By Feona Morrison and Tiana Cole

Her mother was diagnosed with Stage Two breast cancer about a decade ago, and what they both experienced during her time of sickness has created a lasting legacy.
The mother of Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan is now cancer free. She is a cancer survivour. However, her diagnosis created a unique challenge for her daughter, who was at the time her caregiver, and the rest of their family.
But with her mother’s diagnosis, Hassan’s attitude towards the disease changed eventually. Hassan was inspired to help other families in a similar situation.
For more than five years, Hassan has been a dedicated cancer advocate.
Her works began through popular cosmetic brand Avon. Unfortunately, after Avon ended operations in Guyana in 2015, Hassan was forced to find another avenue to continue her passion.
Furthermore, Hassan was presented with a plaque by the company for her faithful and dedicated service towards breast cancer awareness.

Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation Bibi Hassan

Soon after, she founded the Guyana Cancer Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) which was registered in 2016. The NGO is solely funded by donations from numerous sponsors.
The Guyana Cancer Foundation is committed to raising funds and providing initiatives to help in the battle against cancer.
With an array of fundraising events and volunteer services, the Guyana Cancer Foundation is committed to providing help and inspiring hope in those affected by cancer through early detection, education, awareness and free screening.
According to Hassan, the NGO focuses on the medically unserved, low income and uninsured population.
She said that the organization also seeks to reintegrate cancer survivors back into society and to also enlarge the community’s support system to make strides against cancer for fighters and survivors.
Some of the services offered by the foundation are clinical breast examination, cervical cancer/HPV screening, prostate cancer screening, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol testing and free counselling and group sessions for cancer survivors and fighters.

The Pinktober calender of events.

Persons seeking medical attention at one of the NGO’s countrywide outreaches.

The Guyana Foundation now has a new home at Lot 9 Third Avenue Subryanville, Sheriff Street, Georgetown.
And since its existence, its volunteer doctors and nurse have seen persons with colon, breast, throat, prostate, cervical and brain cancer, just to name a few.
Its staff comprises of a nurse and three doctors, with operations from Monday through Fridays.
Saturdays are reserved for medical outreaches, and thus far, the NGO has carried out 32 reaching as far as Berbice and interior locations.
According to Hassan, during the outreaches several persons were referred to the Guyana Cancer Institute and to the Oncology department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for screening and check-ups.
Nevertheless, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month which is celebrated throughout the month of October worldwide, the NGO alongside major companies have planned a calendar of events.
Breast Cancer Awareness month raises awareness about the disease and raises funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
Some of them include the Pinktober church service slated for today, activities to mark international No Bra day, and the Pinktober dinner/gala this month end.
However, the Guyana Cancer Foundation does not wait until October to raise awareness, to breast, and the other types of cancer.
In fact, in June the NGO hosted a brunch in celebration of cancer survivors.
On October 19, it will join with the rest of the world to celebrate National Mammography Day which is observed annually on the third Friday in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“Early detection helps saves lives. My mother’s situation inspired me to help women. She is a cancer survivor,” Hassan said.
The vision of the Guyana Cancer Foundation is to be the beacon of stopping cancer before it starts through education and support.