The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE display of togetherness and cheer on Saturday at the Marina Village was a clear indication that it has been an amazing ride so far for the organisers behind the “Walk In Paradise” event.

This event themed “Pink It In Paradise” this year featured numerous fun family-oriented activities with goodies on sale like cotton candy, a bra-decorating contest hosted by the Enigma Carnival Group, a Dunkin’ for Boobies dunk tank and a prize awarded for the wackiest dressed person in attendance.

Ten years ago, the Atlantis Paradise Island’s marketing team was approached by Andrea Sweeting and other representatives of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group to host an activity of sorts in support of breast cancer awareness.

The local chapter of Sister Sister had connected with a group of women from Florida who were breast cancer survivors and others who were still fighting the disease. They had decided to take a cruise to the Bahamas which they dubbed ‘Cruise for the Cure and this would be an activity in which these ladies, who were going through so much, could find an escape, albeit brief, from their struggles with breast cancer.

Impressed with Sister Sister’s mission to not only provide a shoulder to lean on, so to speak, for women in the Bahamas dealing with breast cancer, but also their resolve to try and provide the costly Port-a-Cath device to these women who were going through chemotherapy, it was easy for the Atlantis team to agree to collaborate in the event.

Through ‘Walk In Paradise’ they have been able to help foster special bonds of friendship between breast cancer survivors here in the country and those who cruise to the Bahamas every year from Florida.

“It is an awesome feeling and I can tell you truthfully that Atlantis has been a very good corporate sponsor because of the mere fact that we have the opportunity to walk their property,” Ms Sweeting, President of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, said. “The event gives women an opportunity to know that there is still life and hope, and life should be enjoyed. It brings out another part of them to understand that they are not the only ones going through this, there are so many others. There are friends, family members, and sisters who can come together to enjoy this and really give thanks to the maker for having us here another year.

Katie Longley, Public Relations Director at Atlantis, remembers the event years ago starting as a simple walk through the Atlantis property, allowing the ladies to see the beauty and wonder of the resort, from the architectural detail to attractions like The Dig aquarium, and Aquaventure waterscape. Five years ago they decided to step things up by adding in help from Atlantis’ Guest Services Division. From that collaboration the simple walk evolved into a fun scavenger hunt which encourages participants to find clues along the route in order to solve a bigger puzzle at the end.

“Each year there is a different theme and type of puzzle to solve. We usually wrap up with a Survivor’s Ceremony complete with testimonials from breast cancer survivors, live performances by school choirs and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Walk In Paradise and again we felt it necessary to take our efforts up a notch, so not only did we host the fun scavenger hunt and Survivor’s Ceremony, we decided to make it a fair event,” said Ms Longley.

She believes breast cancer affects all, whether you are the one suffering from its ill effects or you are a family member or friend of someone suffering or who has passed on. Everyone has been touched by the awful disease.

“Sister Sister’s mission is a very important one in this fight to find a cure and end the suffering as they offer support to all. Walk In Paradise/Pink it in Paradise is meant to be a fun event for the whole family, but that isn’t its only function. Through this effort, we are hoping to spread awareness and raise much needed funding for Sister Sister and their mission,” said Ms Longley.

Andrea Sweeting’s goal is to see the event succeeding long term. “It gives such a peace and pleasure to see these survivors smile and to know that this can happen. With this event, know that you have assisted in helping one woman and that is what we want to come away with as a community,” she said.