Hundreds of morning commuters along JFK Drive were met with a flurry of pink and a message of hope as Sister Sister joined forces with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With pink ribbons, shirts, and good cheer in tow, from 7-10am volunteers handed out hot breakfasts and fruit bags full of healthy snacks and materials promoting early detection as critical in the fight against breast cancer. Each bag included bottled water, fruit, a granola bar, breast cancer pins, and information on where to find help and screening services.

The event, coordinated by Hon Keith Bell, Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal, and Hon Lisa Rahming, Minister of State, brought together Urban Renewal officers and community partners in a show of solidarity against this disease that has touched so many lives. Senior Commissioner Stephen Dean of the Royal Bahamas Police Force invited Sister Sister to take part in the effort, recognizing their decades long work in providing various types of assistance to women and families affected by breast cancer.

From food assistance, to counseling, and the very ports needed to administer chemotherapy, for twenty-five years Sister Sister has been a critical link for women diagnosed with the disease. For them the message is clear – diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. Through education on self-examination, timely mammograms, and knowing when to seek medical advice and assistance, Sister Sister aims to lower both the rate of diagnosis and the number of women lost to the disease.

As a humbling reminder that not every fight is won, Urban Renewal and the Department of Housing unveiled a Memory Wall as part of the morning’s event. Featuring an open-frame butterfly, ministers and department heads pinned ribbons on the wings in remembrance of those who lost their battle. To complete the piece, members of the public will continue to add ribbons throughout the month of October in tribute to loved ones.

The morning’s teamwork and collaboration reflected the many facets of the community needed to stand by women in their fight. Urban Renewal has pledged to continue supporting both breast cancer awareness and Sister Sister in education and outreach. For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.sistersisterbahamas.com or call 242-326-1929.

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