Hundreds go pink to support breast cancer run/walk

CNS Editor | 15/10/2015

Participants show off their pink at the Brenda Tibbetts-Lund Memorial Run/Walk

(CNS): More than 600 walkers and runners turned out for the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens’ annual Brenda Tibbetts-Lund 5K & 10K Memorial Run/Walk held Sunday, 11 October at the Holiday Inn Resort.

Participants came out in pink as they covered the race route from the hotel to the Safehaven Road junction with Easterly Tibbetts Highway and then back to the Holiday Inn.

Runners who placed first, second and third in the various age categories received trophies and the first 100 walkers were given medals.

Now is in its 18th year, this run/walk was organised in memory of Brenda Tibbetts-Lund, who lost her battle with breast cancer. The event is held to raise funds to support education, screening and treatment of this disease, pillars of the club’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. The overall objectives are to increase the number of mammogram vouchers available to women who might not have sufficient insurance to afford to do this procedure; increase the level of support to victims and their families; and expand the ambit of educational drive to include younger women/girls particularly and empower them with vital information relating to their bodies.

The event also celebrated breast cancer survivors who got the opportunity to interact with fellow survivors in a special tent sponsored by Remax Cayman. The survivors were treated to breakfast and massages.

Co-chairs of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, which runs throughout October, Lions Norma McField and Wendy Wiltshire, noted that this year’s theme “every ribbon makes a difference” was reflected in the campaign’s achievements over the past decade. They said during that time more than 9,000 mammogram vouchers, sponsored by the club, have enabled women proactively to assess their breast health; more than 55,000 persons have benefited from educational programmes; and approximately 275 individuals have been meaningfully assisted with health care and other related costs, both at home and overseas.