The Cancer Society of The Bahamas (CSOB) recently hosted a luncheon at its Collins Avenue headquarters to say an official, ‘Thank You’, to all who participated in making the first Cancer Society of The Bahamas Building Hope telethon, held May 31, a success.

“We were overjoyed with the partnerships, willingness and enthusiasm expressed by all 100-plus individuals who united resources, time and willpower to ensure the stellar event held,” said Lovern Wildgoose, president Cancer Society of The Bahamas. “This was indeed a display in humanitarianism and we cannot say thank you enough.”

Representatives from Atlantis, technical teams from the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and Cable Bahamas, media partners, including the Tribune in addition to telethon hosts, entertainers and phone bank operators attended the luncheon and received certificates of appreciation.

“It was indeed a momentous undertaking, similar to our $3 million expansion campaign,” said Wildgoose. “What has been equally impactful was the level of awareness raised in the public and persons in the community who may not have been previously aware of the work of the Cancer Society. We are also very grateful to all the individuals and organizations who pledged over $200,000.

The four-hour telethon was held in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis and broadcast live on ZNS, Cable 12 and JCN and was the official kick-off of a $3 million campaign to raise funds for the much-needed expansion of the Centre off Collins Avenue. The Cancer Society plans to add 16 new rooms to the 10-room facility. The expansion will also provide for this island’s first hospice care facility and will enable a day care centre for Nassau patients. Since its opening in late 2005, the Centre has served more than 800 patients, offering a place to stay mostly for those from the Family Islands while they are undergoing treatment in Nassau. For cancer patients, it is an oasis, a place of calm and tranquility and emotional support during a difficult time.