The Tribune

For Ronette Frazer, fighting breast cancer is all about hope in healing.

In June 2012, shortly after her 30th birthday, the Solomon’s Super Center buyer received sobering news. She had stage four metastatic breast cancer and it had already spread to her bones and spine.

Three years later, she continues to fight and has channelled much of her energy towards a new non-profit group, Hope 4 Kids.

“Kids have always been my passion,” she said. “I always wanted to do something but I didn’t know which avenue to take. Then, I woke up 2am one morning and it just came to me - the idea to start the group where we target underprivileged kids and focus on reforming, recreation and health.” Together with her three best friends - Rudell Capron, Candice Taylor-Pierre and Decoda Seifert - she launched Hope 4 Kids last month.

It would be easy to miss the fact that Ms Frazer is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments three weeks out of the month. Her hair, make-up and clothes are flawless and if it weren’t for the crutches next to her desk, many would not know that she is ill. This year, she developed spinal issues due to the cancer and now needs surgery to correct the issue.

“Ronette has been a source of inspiration to our entire team here at the office,” said Renea Bastian, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for AML Foods Ltd. “Her overall positive attitude and the hope that she has for the future is truly worthy of recognition. As she manages her life as a working, single mother, it is commendable that even during her health challenges she wants to make a difference in the lives of our young people. Our company completely supports her and the work that she is doing with Hope 4 Kids.”

The group planned its first official event on a “non-chemo” week, giving Ms Frazer a chance to interact and engage with the kids. Some 20 boys and girls from the Bain and Grants Town Community headed to Goodman’s Bay Park for a day of food and fun. AML supplied Domino’s pizza and the kids focused on trust exercises, learned the basic discipline involved in karate and fellowshipped as a group.

“They were so excited to be in a different environment,” she said. “Some of them you can see are kind of closed off emotionally, like they are going through something, but most were really excited to be on the beach. Our next stop is a church service and another fun event will be a trip to the Zoo.”

Engaging with the kids is a good distraction for Ms Frazer. It helps her escape the reality of mounting medical bills as she continues to fight. Much of her strength comes from her parents, her teenage son, Denver, and her older brother, Robert, who accompanies her to each treatment session. Her pastor, Paul Butler of Bahamas Christian Fellowship Centre, is another source of strength and counsel. She also appreciates the support from her work family at Solomon’s Super Center and AML Foods Ltd, with whom she started in 2011 and now works as a Reorder Buyer for the brand.

“I have a strong support system at work. I mean, tremendous. All of that really pushes me to keep going,” she said. “When I was initially diagnosed, I had to stop working right away to do all of the testing and seek a second opinion. Then, I had to take a six-month break before coming back to work. Even now that I am back full time, I’m able to work Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off for treatment.”

Ms Frazer credits her faith in God for keeping her motivated and staying positive. “In any situation, any trial or tribulation, it’s how you attack it mentally that determines your outcome. My faith has strengthened. Everyday I am hopeful.”

Even as she plans more activities for Hope 4 Kids, she is facing bone surgery. Her ultimate goal is to not only reach underprivileged kids but also to own and manage a cancer care facility for children in The Bahamas.

“I look at my situation as just a little seed. I’m at a point where my life isn’t about me. It’s about what I can contribute to people who I am in contact with so that when I close my eyes, either way it would be a win-win for me.”

For more information on Hope 4 Kids, visit their Facebook page. To learn more about the organisation or to assist Ms Frazer with her medical expenses, reach out to her at ronsarah@hotmail.com or call 535-7979.