The Tribune

By DONITRA DAVIS

DOING their part in the fight against cancer, executives of Commonwealth Bank made a ten-year, $500,000 pledge to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas yesterday, the single largest financial donation to the organisation in its history.

In an impassioned presentation flanked by cancer survivors, including members of its own staff, the Bank announced it was supporting the expansion of the Cancer Caring Centre on Collins Avenue, which will add 16 rooms, including four for hospice facilities, in addition to its annual support of the Society.

In May, the Cancer Caring Centre launched a $3 million campaign to raise funds for the project.

“Published statistics have revealed that there is no corner of the world, no country, no society and no people who have not been afflicted by the ravages of cancer,” the bank’s president, Ian Jennings, said. The Bahamas, he noted, ranks among the countries with the highest cancer rates in the world and among the top 20 countries the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The bank’s staff has not been immune.

“Our Commonwealth Bank family, like many others in our country, has been touched by the disease,” Mr Jennings said.

“Marion Lewis is a valuable CB team member for the past eleven years and a cancer survivor. She has bravely battled cancer and endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

“Fortunately, her cancer was detected early and treatment and recovery were made manageable due to the care and support of individuals similar to those that are seated at this table today; dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers that provide assistance beyond their walls to the general public.”

Ms Lewis, who was Nassau-based during her treatment, said: “I have battled the vicious disease of cancer for 21 years alongside my two daughters and my CB family and have been cancer-free for the last 19 years.

“I wish I worked here all my life; the CB family really helped me along the way, whether it was by word of mouth or a two-minute call on the phone.”

Mr Jennings said the construction of the Cancer Caring Centre, the first of its kind in New Providence, would provide quality care, comfort and hope to patients throughout The Bahamas receiving treatment “and adjusting to living with this serious illness from early to terminal stages, as well as to helping families facing death, anticipating the death of a loved one, or healing after the death of a loved one”.

Mr Jennings said the timing of the contribution was significant. “In a time of slow economic recovery, escalating health care costs, limited insurance coverage and strained family income, getting the care and treatment to overcome this possibly life shattering diagnosis, may not be possible for the average Bahamian, if not for non-profit organisations like Cancer Society of the Bahamas. However, there is some encouraging news in the fight against cancer. Studies have shown that early detection can save lives and increase an individual’s treatment options.”

Other patients from the Family Islands have come to depend on the residential Cancer Caring Centre in New Providence, which has proved a tranquil oasis during a time of emotional and physical turmoil.

Nicole Lewis-Rolle, a mother of ten, has lived at the Cancer Caring Centre off and on for nearly three years during treatment, returning to her home and family in Eleuthera as she can.

“I thank God for the Cancer Caring Centre. I wouldn’t be here today without it,” she said.

She was diagnosed with cancer when seven months pregnant with her last child, a boy.

“We remain encouraged that members of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas are relentless champions and together we are a relentless force in the war against cancer, a relentless enemy,” Mr Jennings said.

Society president Lovern Wildgoose and several board members, including Dr Williamson Chea, Barrie Farrington and Judith Higgs were present at the Bank’s head offices on Mackey Street yesterday.

“The construction work of the building itself is not yet known,” said Dr Chea. “There are many stages to fulfil and donations are just the first.”

The Cancer Society of the Bahamas is one of a number of organisations to which Commonwealth Bank has given donations, including the Ministry of Tourism Cacique Awards, PACE Foundation, The Salvation Army and College of The Bahamas Student Orientation.