Last week of April is proclaimed MMAC Week

 Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday proclaimed April 23 to 28 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week to heighten awareness of one of the top two leading causes of death among men and women in the CNMI.

“I encourage all members of the community to celebrate the week by honoring survivors of cancer, commemorating those who have passed on from cancer, and learning as much as possible about preventing this deadly disease,” said Fitial as he signed the proclamation at the Joeten Shopping Center in Susupe.

Members of the 2012 MMAC committee, officers and staff of the Commonwealth Cancer Association, cancer survivors and supporters witnessed the event hosted by the Joeten Charitable Foundation.

According to the American Cancer Society, close to half of men and over a third of women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetime but the risk can be reduced by embracing a healthier lifestyle.

The Commonwealth Cancer Association is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that strives for a cancer-free CNMI through awareness and outreach programs in the community and provides patient support services.

CCA’s main funding source is the MMAC, a 12-hour overnight event featuring teams under different categories as they compete for various awards, including most money raised, most laps, best baton, best tent, most luminaries sold, and most team spirit. The 2012 MMAC will be held on April 27 to 28 at the Hopwood Jr. High School field in Chalan Piao.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which also features a survivor’s relay and dinner and a luminary lighting ceremony in honor of those who have battled and are still battling cancer, and those who have passed on from the disease.

“Without MMAC’s committed volunteers and the concerned community, CCA would not have been able to provide services for the cancer patients and their families. There is much left to be done, so we count on the support to continue,” said David B. Rosario, CCA board president and MMAC senior advisor.

Rosario said that being a part of CCA and MMAC has allowed him to witness how volunteers have changed, with more youth being involved and “thinking out of the box” to help cancer awareness efforts in the community.

Rosario commended the 2012 MMAC committee led by chair Catherine Attao-Toves for doing “an excellent job” this year.

“We’re looking forward to a successful 10-year anniversary this year,” Attao-Toves told Saipan Tribune.

While she noted the need to double their efforts given the two-fold increase in the number of cancer patients that CCA served in 2011, Attao-Toves also pointed out that they are filled with an “overwhelming feeling of appreciation” for the support they have received this year.

In fact, they expect to sell 2,100 luminaries and the close to 2,000 raffle tickets they have printed are almost out. Sales for MMAC’s 10-year signature shirt at $10 each are also doing well, she added.

“We haven’t lost our focus on why we’re here: to continue our fight against cancer,” said Attao-Toves.