Cancer Walk 2014

Every year, thousands of Belizeans walk from Ladyville to Belize City to raise awareness and fight cancer. On Saturday morning, bright and early, young and old, men and women as well as children came from all over the country and from other parts to support persons who are affected or families who have lost loved ones to any form of cancer. For participants, it was personal and every step they took was driven by their desire to save lives from the deadly disease. Duane Moody captured the compelling stories of the participants.

Duane Moody, Reporting

As earlier as three-thirty on Saturday morning, persons began gathering near Celina’s on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Ladyville to participate in the annual walkathon. Every year thousands trek approximately nine miles to the city ending the walk at the Cancer Society Headquarters on Mercy Lane off Coney Drive. Families, friends and company representatives came out in solidarity with persons they know who have been afflicted by the deadly disease, cancer.

Monica Stuart

Monica Stuart, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“I have had a few family members that have passed away from cancer so I do believe that I should come out and support as well.”

Jonelle Tillett, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“I did it couple of times before. So I am used to it.”

Jonelle Tillett

Duane Moody

“Why do you participate in it?”

Jonelle Tillett

“Well first of all, I have my grandmother; she has breast cancer. So that’s me showing my support in her battle for cancer.”

Duane Moody

“Why you deh out yah? Who you deh out yah with?”

Trinique Flowers

Trinique Flowers, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“My friend, ih ma and ih two sister and ih auntie.”

Duane Moody

“You woulda do it again?”

Trinique Flowers

“If I feel to it fi di hurt up mi foot, maybe.”

Martha Eiley

People from across the country took part in the walk. Belizean American, Monica, also flew in to the country from Miami to support the cause and handed over a ten thousand dollar cheque on behalf of Belizeans in the U.S.

Martha Eiley, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“My father died of cancer and my sister, Laura Longsworth has taken it up as her call. She is the president and we’re here to support her. Monica came all the way from Miami.”

Monica, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“It is very important to support this cause because it affects all of us in some way or the other—whether we are personally affected as a survivor or having lost loved ones or having friends who are suffering from cancer at this time.”

Martha Eiley

Monica

“I am sure a lot more people would like to come out if they could. Not everybody could get out here this morning, but we represent a lot of people because Monica has raised a lot of money in Miami from Belizeans in Miami that would have liked to be here.”

Duane Moody

“So tapping into that Diaspora?”

Monica

“Yes, they’ve sent a very clear message that they do care and it is a wonderful feeling to give back to the community and to each other because it may be us one day.”

Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“My aunt died from it a few years ago and I also came to support Dangriga Cancer Society.”

Duane Moody

“Why you think that it is necessary to be a part of it?”

Participant

“Just so everybody else is aware that there are people suffering and people that need support in general.”

Shihan Ray Kelly

The walk attracts the old and the young. This year, it saw the participation of several youngsters of the police cadets from Rural Belize District.  Grandmaster of the House of Shotokan, Shihan Ray Kelly, also had his young and determined karate athletes out for the walk.

Shihan Ray Kelly, Grandmaster, House of Shotokan

“We have to support this activity because as you said it is all about cancer and we are definitely are out here supporting it in full force. Our initial group of youngster, we have them out here, our karate folks are out here and you see a lot of people out here and we are out here. You see I am sweating a little bit because I support this activity pertaining to cancer and all the things surrounding it because it is an illness; it is a disease that’s affecting Belize.”

Brent Hamilton

Sgt. Brent Hamilton, Participant, Cancer Walk 2014

“Cancer affect everybody—no matter if yo dah police, B.D.F. or any persons—so we wah support because we know we have some of our brothers who have died as well, so we are out here.”

Duane Moody

“There is a misconception that it affects women mainly and not men. Is that the reason why you are out here?”

Sgt. Brent Hamilton

“No not necessarily. You have prostate cancer and people die from cancer from tobacco and so forth. So there are all types of cancer depending on what you are talking about.”

Providing refreshments for the participants as they took on the nine-mile stretch along the highway were San Cas and Bowen and Bowen.

Tamara Minto

Tamara Minto, Coca COLA Brand Coordinator, Bowen & Bowen

“Bowen and Bowen is one of the largest companies in Belize that we support a great cause. And it is not only a great cause but letting people know that Crystal water; our slogan is “staying healthy, staying hydrated” and that’s part of cure of any ailments.”

Duane Moody

“There you have it guys, you have witnessed arguably what is the biggest cancer walk to ever be held in Belize and of course News Five was here to bring it to you in full. I am Duane Moody and this was our coverage of Cancer Walk 2014.”