CIBC Caribbean donates over $100K to civic groups on World Cancer Day

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CIBC stakeholders at the 2024 Walk for the Cure handover ceremony
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By Kisean Joseph

[email protected]

Local bank, CIBC Caribbean celebrated a milestone achievement on World Cancer Day, announcing a record-breaking EC$105,000 donation from their 2024 Walk for the Cure campaign. The announcement came during a special ceremony, yesterday, that brought together cancer survivors, healthcare providers, and community partners.

The timing of the ceremony was of special significance as it coincided with World Cancer Day, which marks the global focus for raising awareness for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. The funds will be distributed among several local organizations including Breast Friends Women in Touch, a body that provides crucial support for cancer patients requiring overseas treatment, and the Oncology Department at Sir Lester Bird Medical Center (SBLMC).

“Over the past six years, that brings us to a total donation of over $415,000,” said Khadijah James, co-manager of the Walk for the Cure committee. The latest contribution represents an increase over the previous year’s EC$90,000 donation, indicating growing community support for the initiative.

The President of Breast Friends, Eunetta Bird, noted the impact of these donations as she recounted a recent success story: “Up to December, we assisted a young lady with cervical cancer to go to Colombia. If we did not come to her aid, perhaps she’ll still be here waiting to raise the funds.”

The organization has helped at least six individuals access radiation therapy overseas following the closure of the Cancer Center Eastern Caribbean, Antigua.

The ceremony featured moving testimony from Heike Goodwin-Carbon, an 11-year cancer survivor who shared her diagnosis of breast cancer. “Life does not stop when you get a diagnosis; you have to live,” Carbon said, as she outlined her journey from initial diagnosis in 2014 to her current battle with lung metastasis. Her story highlighted challenges faced by cancer patients and the critical importance of support networks.

Dr Hanybal Yazigi from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center’s Oncology Department expressed gratitude for the continued partnership. “All the cancer patients we deal with are eternally grateful for all of the efforts put forth by CIBC and all stakeholders in these events to raise funds, which are very much needed for the continuing care that we provide.”

The 2024 campaign marked CIBC Caribbean’s 13th year of organizing Walk for the Cure, which has evolved to include other activities such as Jump for the Cure and Hike for the Cure. The organization announced plans to expand its fundraising efforts in 2025, with an additional event, titled “Music for the Cure.”

The ceremony on Tuesday also highlighted a broader impact of the initiative. Good Humans 268, another beneficiary organization intends to use the funds to support individuals with disabilities and engage students in community service programs. “We’re 400 strong year one, and year two we surpassed the 900 teachers, students, and well-wishers being a part of the walk,” their representative noted.

CIBC Caribbean’s Country Manager, Ladesa James-Williams, and the Walk for the Cure Manager Natasha Charles, also lauded the collaborative effort behind the campaign’s success, acknowledging the contributions of sponsors, participants, and volunteers who helped achieve this year’s record-breaking result.

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