Thousands turn out for Pinktober breast cancer walk
With thousands turning out for GTT’s Pinktober 5k/10k run/walk on Saturday, the event has been deemed a success by government Ministers and participants, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
The event started at D’Urban Park, then moved to the seawall and back to D’Urban Park.
The walk/run which is part of GGT’s Pinktober calendar of activities is aimed at mobilising funds for several cancer-related organisations including the Guyana Cancer Foundation.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Justin Nedd described this year’s walk as bigger and better than last year’s.
“Eight of ten people with cancer go undetected so this is an excellent way to raise awareness. The money raised goes towards raising awareness, treatment and care for the society, because ultimately Guyana being a small population we need all our Guyanese alive and well,” Nedd stated.
The CEO is confident that 2019’s walk/run will surpass this year’s as GTT has already identified areas for improvement.
DPI said that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo described the walk as “a movement of solidarity” that shows that more persons are aware of the prevalence of the ailment. He noted too that the walk was a successful campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and treatment options.
“I believe this has now become a movement and no one can say that they haven’t taken note of the fact that people are aware that we must do something about breast cancer, promote research to bring about the cure for cancer and also to be able to step up the campaign to make all women become more aware of the causes of breast cancer and what can be done to treat it,” Nagamootoo said.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson also participated in the walk. Minister Hughes encouraged Guyanese to have regular checkups and take the required treatment once diagnosed.