Step out for a cause during the Annual Cancer Month

Daedra Haylock

Across the country there are hundreds of Belizeans living with various forms of cancer.  The month of May has been designated as Cancer Month during which activities have been organized by the Belize Cancer Society to raise awareness about the terminal illness.  The highlight of the month is the annual Cancer Walk which sees growing participation from residents of Belize City and Ladyville.  Daedra Haylock spoke with News Five today about this year’s calendar of events.

Daedra Haylock, Belize Cancer Society

“Primarily it is to raise awareness, to educate so that people could understand the issues surrounding cancer, that people can be forewarned about lifestyle issues that have impact or relevance to cancer.  So we’re trying to get on the media, do our education campaigns.  We’re getting into schools so that the young people and teachers can be aware how to deal with somebody who may be dealing with cancer in the school so that they themselves just have the information.  Maybe they have a family member or friend and they can share information and know where to turn for help.  We’re also inviting private sector firms, if you’d like us to come in and conduct education awareness with your staff, please give us a call.  We have several of those scheduled already and we continue to invite them, not only during May but this month is special for cancer.  We have our annual cancer walk which is May twenty-fifth this year and that’s again an activity to put it out there front and foremost so that people can be aware and so that it gives us an opportunity to start that conversation.  In the district towns we have several chapters that are operating in the district towns, Belmopan, Orange Walk, Corozal, San Pedro.  We’re asking the persons in those areas to pay attention to what your group is doing.  Please be a part of it, support them.  We also have the t-shirts and the promotional items for sale.  T-shirts for you to walk in, they are available now at the Cancer Society office right here on Mercy Lane.”

The annual Cancer Walk commences at five a.m. on May twenty-fifth in front of Celina’s in Ladyville.  It will conclude at Belize Cancer Society’s office on Mercy Lane.