Previous Story
Community again invited to join MMAC
Marianas March Against Cancer chair Geri Dela Cruz, fourth left, co-chair Chris Concepcion, seventh left, Commonwealth Cancer Association program manager Juan L. Babauta, right, and other members of the MMAC organizing committee met with Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, fifth left, regarding the preparation for this year’s MMAC event in May. (Jon Perez)
Organizers of the 2016 Marianas March Against Cancer are inviting families, students, businesses, government agencies, and non-profit groups to attend the annual event set on May 13 and 14 at the Hopwood Junior High School field in Chalan Piao.
MMAC chair Geri Dela Cruz said all proceeds that come from donations by sponsors and other individuals will go directly to fund the projects of the Commonwealth Cancer Association.
“We encouraged everyone to join us again in our campaign. Cancer has affected many of us in the CNMI. We either know someone who was diagnosed with cancer or we have a family member who is suffering from cancer. Funds raised will go to CCA, which provides assistance to cancer patients,” said Dela Cruz in yesterday’s presentation at the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
“We have always been thankful for all the help given by the Saipan Mayors Office, which is one of the longest partners of the campaign against cancer. They always go beyond logistics in terms of providing assistance to this event,” added Dela Cruz.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said that his office is always open to help events or projects that are for a good cause.
“We will always work with you guys. If you always ask for our assistance, we’ll be here to help. Being a cancer survivor myself, I would like to do my share by going out there to give information to help other survivors,” added Apatang, who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma or renal cancer in 1998.
CCA program manager Juan L. Babauta said part of their program is to issue vouchers to assist cancer patients aside from information dissemination and monthly meetings with other survivors.
CCA also provides other support services and serves as chief advocate for cancer issues in the Commonwealth.
“We provide education campaign on how to raise awareness on cancer and some ways on how to prevent it. The vouchers issued help cancer patients with medical costs of treatment,” said Babauta.
“We are again asking for the community’s support. Proceeds of the event goes to a good cause,” Babauta added.
For more information, email MMAC@gmail.com or visit CCA’s website at www.ccamarianas.org.
