Members of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) gave Baha Mar team members an overview of breast health, risk factors and protective tips, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The visit was part of Baha Mar’s BELIEVE Foundation’s breast cancer initiative throughout the month of October, which included education and fundraising efforts to help fund research and genetic testing for breast cancer in The Bahamas. The BELIEVE Foundation is guided by three pillars – Community, Culture and Conservation, which all help to strengthen the community through helping those in need.
BELIEVE is donating $5 to BBCIF for every share of its human pink ribbon photo on the luxury resort’s Facebook page during the month of October. Those funds will help to subsidize genetic testing for the breast cancer genes, BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
“So many Bahamians have been touched by breast cancer and that’s why it’s imperative that we educate our employees and the community on the resources available to those diagnosed with and affected by this disease,” said Paul V. Pusateri, Baha Mar’s Chief Operating Officer.
Genetic counselor, Islay Thompson, Professional advisor and physical therapist, Kitiboni Adderley P.T., and BBCIF volunteer, Tamica Rahming visited Baha Mar for a special Lunch ‘n’ Learn session in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Thompson said according to current research, the average age of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas is 42 years old - significantly younger than the average age of diagnosis in North America, which stands at 62.
“Our current research program is investigating the high precedence of breast cancer and the breast cancer mutation gene in Bahamian women. One in four Bahamian women who had breast cancer had a form of a genetic mutation, making it hereditary,” Thompson explained.
“What we have found is half of the breast cancer cases diagnosed in Bahamian women are being found at the later stages of three and four, making it more difficult to treat.”
With that in mind BBCIF is offering genetic testing and counseling for all women with breast and ovarian cancer in The Bahamas, while also providing informative health programs to educate Bahamians about breast cancer.
Breast cancer hit home for Baha Mar Senior Vice President of Government and External Affairs, Robert Sands, who described the experience leading up to his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.
She has been a breast cancer survivor for nine years now and is currently featured in the BBCIF 2015 calendar as Ms. February. The calendar is currently on sale in stores throughout New Providence.
“Take your health seriously. Mammograms and follow-ups are extremely important, but so is the support that you can offer a friend, a loved one, a spouse,” Sands said.
“With a generous spirit, Baha Mar’s BELIEVE Foundation is raising funds that can help women receive free genetic testing that may save a life.”
The BBCIF 2015 calendar is also on sale at Baha Mar’s Dream Bean coffee shop, run by students of the Leadership Development Institute. All proceeds from the sale of these calendars will go to BBCIF.
To learn more visit Baha Mar Resorts on Facebook Baha Mar Resorts.
Members of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) present Baha Mar staff with the Initiative’s 2015 calendar
About Baha Mar
Baha Mar is set on 3,000 feet of white sandy beach just 10 minutes from Nassau's fully renovated and expanded international airport. It will feature an elite collection of hotel brands with gaming, entertainment, private residences, shopping and natural attractions that reflect an authentic Bahamian experience. The resort’s Grand Opening celebration is planned for Spring 2015. The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel includes a 1,000-room hotel and a 100,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style casino. Baha Mar also will include a 700-room Grand Hyatt, a 300-room SLS LUX, and a 200-room Rosewood at Baha Mar. Amenities will include a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course; 200,000 square feet of flexible convention facilities, including a 2,000-seat entertainment venue; an ESPA spa; art galleries featuring Bahamian art; more than 40 restaurants, bars and clubs; global luxury designer and local artisan boutiques; and 20 acres of exquisitely landscaped beach and pool experiences, including a beachfront sanctuary with native Bahamian flora and fauna. In addition, upon completion of renovations, the all-inclusive Meliá Nassau Beach will become part of Baha Mar. For more information please visit www.bahamar.com.
