Torres: Cancer affects us all

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, signs the proclamation declaring May 5 to 14 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week as Karidat executive director Lauri Ogumoro, left, and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang look on yesterday at the Best Sunshine International, Ltd.-Corporate Social Responsibility office in Middle Road. (Jon Perez)

Cancer is a disease that not only affects the victims or their families, but the entire community, said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in yesterday’s proclamation signing declaring May 5 to 14 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week at the Best Sunshine International, Ltd.-Corporate Social Responsibility office in Middle Road.

MMAC committee members, led by 2016 overall chair Geri Dela Cruz, with Commonwealth Cancer Association officials, House Floor Leader George N. Camacho (R-Saipan) and Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero(R-Saipan), John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan), Vinson E. Sablan (Ind-Saipan), and Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang were also in attendance during the proclamation signing.

BSI is a platinum sponsor of MMAC. Imperial Pacific Holdings International Ltd.-BSI chief services officer Tao Xing led BSI-CSR personnel who were also present in the proclamation signing.

Torres said he has attended and signed many proclamations before, but the MMAC Week holds a special place in his heart.

“The MMAC is a special event that I always dedicate my time to attend and participate. The proclamation is a way of thanking the families and businesses that continue to support the MMAC,” said Torres.

“Aside from this, I enjoy the burgers from Team Bodig,” added Torres that drew laughter from the packed crowd that crammed inside the room at the BSI-CSR office.

“Cancer does not discriminate. It does not choose your age, gender, race, or ethnicity. We might know a relative or a friend that had been affected by this disease.”

He then admired the journey that cancer survivor Angel Ray T. Guerrero took in his battle against the dreaded disease. “Angel is an inspiration to all of us in the CNMI. Being here is a blessing itself.”

Torres said that he is thanking all the people behind this year’s MMAC. “[MMAC] has increased the number of participants in this year’s event. We appreciate everyone for their assistance, which goes a long way.”

Dela Cruz, who is also the BSI-CSR director, took the opportunity to thank the hardworking team behind in this year’s MMAC. “Everyone here has volunteered countless hours to make sure this is another successful event.

“Thank you also for all the teams that have been going out fundraising. All for the benefit of raising funds to help cancer patients and raise awareness.”