CCA board thanks Breast Cancer Awareness Month supporters

The Commonwealth Cancer Association board of directors, president Lauri B. Ogumoro, and board members expressed their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals, organizations, families, partners, and sponsors who helped make the 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness Month a resounding success. The hard work, commitment, and teamwork of many dedicated individuals in our community have made CCA’s services and programs successful.

The CCA wishes to thank the following partners for joining forces in October to raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as sponsoring fundraising events to benefit CCA programs and services: The Department of Fire-EMS, Transcends LLC, Naked Fish, Bank of Guam, Best Sunshine International, Kanoa Football Association, CHCC-Division of Public Health Service, and KKMP.

The Department of Fire-EMS raised $9,517 on its boot drive and T-shirts sales and collaborated with Bank of Guam for the Walkathon. The Pink Warrior event held at Naked Fish raised $6.018. Best Sunshine International helped out by purchasing $1,600 worth of tickets for the Pink Warrior event, and sponsored two banners at $640 for a total cash and in-kind donation of $2,240. The total funds raised in October amounted to $15,535.

CCA thanks Docomo Pacific, T Galleria, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Cosmos Distributing Co., Modern Stationery, Century Tours, Pacific Islands Club, Marpac, Inc., Coral Ocean Point, Aqua Resort Club, Mariana Resort & Spa, McDonald’s Saipan, and Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan for their raffle prize donation s. The Pink Warrior Event also featured entertainers Maggie Naputi & Daughter, Donovan Castro, Parker Yobei, Marvin Deleon Guerrero, and Al Saures.

The CCA hopes to see this disease brought to the attention of as many individuals as possible through collaboration of this kind.

“At this time, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular screening is so important,” said Ogumoro. “Women should talk to their doctors about their risks and the benefits of screening. It’s important for women to be active participants in their breast health.”

When it comes to breast cancer survival rates, early detection is critical. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer detected and diagnosed before it is felt is 98 percent.

“It is important to educate both men and women about the importance of early detection, and encourage to have critical conversations about appropriate screenings, with their healthcare provider,” said Dr. Daniel Lamar, CCA medical adviser.

The Commonwealth Cancer Association, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public service charity that provides information, direct financial patient support, survivorship, patient navigation, education, prevention and advocacy related to this disease and other cancers.

Contact the CCA at telephone 682-0050, by email at ccamarianas@gmail.com, or log on to www.ccamarianas .org website for more information about the CCA and its programs.