Offering Hope: Cancer Walk Initiative Provides Early Diagnosis
Tara A. Spears
“There can be life after breast cancer. The key is early detection,”
Jo Lorimer, breast cancer survivor.
2020 saw the sudden rupture as to how we lived; 2021 was a year when the pandemic continued to change life for everyone, but in different ways. The fear of contracting the covid virus altered the way we interact, travel, work and dominated most people’s thoughts. Many people felt that things couldn’t get any worse- but for 7 ladies in Jaltemba Bay, covid was the least of their worries. Seven women who participated in the 2021 Cancer Walk free mammogram/pap exam program were diagnosed with cancer.
According to the Canadian Cancer society, in 2021, about 1 in 8 Canadian women developed breast cancer during their lifetime. It is the same ratio for the United States. Due to early detection and increased breast cancer awareness there were fewer breast cancer deaths in both countries. But in Jaltemba Bay, the 2021 statistics are alarming: 1 in 5 women develop cancer. Without the opportunity to receive the diagnostic tests these women would have a bleak prognosis. Fortunately, since the cancers were detected in early stages, the local women have a greater chance of long-term survival.
For ten years the annual Jaltemba Walk against Cancer street party gained momentum and supporters. Hinde and Jaime’s downtown bar and restaurant was the scene of crazy costumes, dancing and a fun afternoon- all to generate funds for mammograms. Many, many thanks to the volunteers, sponsors-Hinde, Patty, Dr. Lidiana Flores- and all the supporters that enable our program to exist.
But why have this type of fundraiser in a Mexican vacation beach town? Because there is a tremendous need for financial assistance. The state of Nayarit is primarily agricultural with spread out rural villages that cannot provide the diagnostic screenings to local women. In addition, Nayarit has exceptionally high incidence of female cancers. It was the brainchild of Dorothy Bell to hold a fundraiser to generate funds to provide free mammograms to our small town ladies. Over the years, Cancer Walk has assisted hundreds of area women to receive preventative assessment and optimize their chances for a healthy life.
Although the coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented public health emergency and an economic crisis, let’s not forget about the dangers of undetected cancer. The Cancer Walk team continues to assist area women with low income to receive free mammograms and cervical cancer testing. Tell your housekeeper and your neighbors to call today 322 289 0456 to arrange for free testing.
There won’t be a fundraiser for 2022 but you can stop by either of the Hinde & Jaime’s restaurants to make a donation. Help us continue to offer the opportunity for hope to our sisters!
