The Sandals Foundation has partnered with the MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation to host the Faith Gifford Breast Cancer Symposium set for October 16 at Sandals Southcoast Resort. The premier one-day event will focus on exploring recent trends, the state of local infrastructure, critical gaps in cancer care, as well as opportunities for improvement.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the event targets medical practitioners, policymakers, medical students, corporate and government entities, non-governmental organisations, patients, survivors, and caregivers as it seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Dorothy Satchwell, Chairman and Founder of the MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation, says the event seeks to build the island’s education and capacity in the disease. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. The symposium will provide evidence-based breast health education to give communities fact-driven knowledge, promote informed health decisions, and dispel myths.”

The event, Satchelle says, will also focus on spirituality and emotional resilience. “ Our goal is to help families as much as possible. We will be integrating mind-body-spirit care to help patients and their families cope with the emotional effect of cancer. Additionally, four interdimensional religious services will be held to acknowledge and celebrate the connection between spirituality and cancer survivorship.”

As part of efforts to further empower its attendees, 150 mammogram vouchers will be provided to women over 50 years old who have never been screened. The team will also offer financial planning to support future annual screenings.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says the symposium marks a key advancement in the philanthropic organisation’s ongoing cancer support.

“Cancer education and care involve the input of all stakeholders within the space. The Faith Gifford Breast Cancer Symposium we hope will bring all players to the table to share in current research, lessons learned, best practice, and opportunities for advancement.”

This year, across the island, the Sandals Foundation has invested over J$1,100,000 towards testing and various capacity-building initiatives. The effort will enable breast screenings for 100 women and prostate exams for some 300 men in multiple parishes.

On October 15, 17, 22, and 24. together with partners at the Jamaica Cancer Society, Hospiten Jamaica, Cornwall Regional Hospital, and Island Radiology, 18 – 75 year old women and men in St. Ann and St. James will benefit from free exams. The Sandals Foundation is also a partner of the Jamaica Cancer Society's Paint Ochi Pink and Blue 5K Run/Walk.