First week of May proclaimed MMAC Week

Representatives of all the 18 groups that will take part at the 2017 Marianas March Against Cancer got on stage for a group photo with the MMAC committee, Commonwealth Cancer Association staff, and acting governor Victor B. Hocog at the proclamation signing yesterday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan Hibiscus Hall. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

A proclamation was signed yesterday designating April 30 to May 6 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to data from the American Cancer Association. Nearly half of the male population and a third of the female population will develop cancer in their lifetime.

Although everyone is susceptible to cancer, it is also just as preventable. Most types of cancers can be reduced or avoided through healthier life choice. Abstaining from smoking, healthier food choices, and physical activities can help in reducing the risk of cancer.

The Marianas March Against Cancer is the signature event hosted by the Commonwealth Cancer Association to recognize all cancer survivors and to remember all the people that lost their lives to the battle against the epidemic.

MMAC is also an event that is held to acknowledge caregivers who have dedicated their lives in assisting cancer patients and to empower the community to join in the battle against cancer.

Proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the Commonwealth Cancer Association to carry out the mission of the association. The association’s mission is to prevent cancer as much as possible through detection and prevention education, advocacy, efforts to reach out to the community, and patient services.

The 2017 MMAC established 18 teams for this year’s event. The teams consist of Imperial Pacific, Marianas High School, the CNMI Government, Joeten Charitable Foundation, Grace Christian Academy, IT&E, Saipan Southern High School, Lady Diann Foundation, Northern Marianas College, Marianas Resort and Spa, Hopwood Junior High School, Mount Carmel School, MyPros, Bridge Capital, Northern Marianas Football Association, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Talaabwogh Star, Tanholdings, Kagman High School Tribe Marianas, Triple J, and Lancheros Middle School.

A plaque of appreciation was also presented to the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for its donation of $12,000 worth of shirts at the proclamation signing held yesterday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall.

MMAC chair Carol Pete told the media that the Commonwealth Cancer Association along with the MMAC board would be having multiple fundraisers in celebration of the Marianas March Against Cancer Week.

May 5 will be the MMAC event. The entire community is invited to join and participate in all the activities that will be held at the event.

The MMAC will be on May 5 starting at 6pm until May 6 at the Hopwood Middle School field.

The MMAC team and the Commonwealth Cancer Association urges the community to join to help spread awareness, recognize survivors and those who have lost the battle to cancer, and to thank all those who have assisted in the battle against the epidemic.