Cancer Society

May 2000 Table of Contents

THE CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS

The Cancer Society of The Bahamas, a voluntary non-profit organisation, continues to make its presence felt in Abaco through the efforts of a small number of dedicated local members. Other Family Island branches are established in Grand Bahama and Eleuthera, while New Providence remains the most visible organisation as befits its much larger population.

1999 was an atypical year for the Abaco Branch. A number of activities were wiped out as a result of hurricanes. The Annual Pap-smear and Prostate Examination clinics were cancelled. These weekend clinics normally take place in October and provide free testing in the hope that anyone with a problem would have early diagnosis. This year's clinics are planned for 7th October.

The major fund raiser - the annual raffle - was also cancelled. Members felt that the public should not be approached for donations while there was so much storm devastation to be addressed. Fortunately there was a healthy balance brought forward from the previous year which enabled the Branch to meet its needs. 1999 was, in fact, the first year in which the Branch's expenses exceeded income (income $3,718, expenditure $7,909). Donations in memory of Mary Thompson, Leslie Pinder and Susan Gamble were received. Other donations from Myer's Rum, Emily Key and Aubin Haested have made it possible to continue our work. All donations are greatly appreciated.

What then does the Society do? First, it assists in underwriting the cost of the free clinics. Normally four clinics are held, these being at Marsh Harbour, Sandy Point, Coopers Town and Mores island. Our involvement is in accommodating and transporting the team of doctors and their aides to their respective clinics, helping with the registration of patients, etc. Perhaps the most visible and appreciated activity of the Branch is in the provision of air fares to cancer patients travelling for treatment. Cancer care is expensive, a cost which must be borne by the patient. Assistance with air fares reduces the burden somewhat and, thus far, has been within the Branch's financial capabilities.

During the year a wheelchair was purchased for the free use of cancer patients. Anyone requiring use of this should contact Nurse Peggy Cooper at the March Harbour Clinic. A number of outlets for information on cancer and cancer-related topics are to be found at the clinics and post offices, or from Society members. Education and information material may be in the form of brochures, videos or talks. The public is encouraged to avail itself of these services.

The Abaco Branch is particularly pleased to have been supportive of the Cancer caring Centre soon to be constructed in Nassau. At this time in excess of $300,000 has been raised towards the $3 million project. When complete, this facility will offer state of the art care for post-operative cancer patients. It will be of immense benefit to Family Island patients, providing them and their immediate dependants accommodation while undergoing treatment. The Abaco Branch has over the past few years contributed $27,000 to this worthy goal.

What of the future? An urgent need for additional members exists. Membership requires only a few hours of your time each month. You do not need to be a cancer survivor or even be knowledgeable about the disease - merely have a desire to help others in need. This might be by assisting at jumble sales, distributing literature, selling our T-shirts, providing moral support to patients, etc.

Hugh Cottis, President,
PO Box AB-20449,
Marsh Harbour.
Tel/Fax: (242) 367-3477

This Issue Table of Contents - - Previous Issues

Other Abaco Bahamas Links
Home Page (oii.net) - Message Board (AbacoBoard.com) - Latest Happenings (AbacoToday.com)