100 Cancer Care Kits, courtesy of MD Cares, are packaged and ready for distribution. The kits contain a combination of soups, hand sanitizer, masks, water, Chap Stic, socks, tams, lotion, sanitizer wipes, crackers, electrolytes, and teas. (PHOTO: Melissa Major)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — One hundred cancer patients in The Bahamas are getting some much-needed assistance thanks to a fellow cancer survivor. 

Melissa Major, a 22-year cancer survivor of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, has always wanted to expand her level of giving to the people experiencing the ordeal she lived through. After a year of careful planning, she brought her vision to life with the MD Cares Initiative, thanks to the help of close friends and members of Corporate Bahamas. 

"The purpose of these cancer care kits is to enhance the well-being and comfort of individuals facing the challenges of cancer," said an excited Major. "Such donations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those going through cancer treatment, providing both practical and emotional support during a difficult time."

The kits are designated for patients in the Princess Margaret Hospital's Oncology Unit, with 28 care kits specifically destined for pediatric patients. Members of the Public Hospital's Authority (PHA) Foundation and the Nurse Oncology Team were on hand to receive the donation at PHA recently.

"Having personally experienced the challenges of cancer treatment and overcoming it, I have a deep understanding of the journey," explained Major. "I am passionate about bringing joy to patients undergoing treatment, ensuring they feel supported and cared for."

Valued at $30 each, MD Cares hopes to supply the Oncology department with at least 1,000 kits in 2024. 

"The initiative is broken down in ten cycles supplying 100 kits each time," said Major. "We are now on cycle two and currently accepting donations."

Major hopes the MD Cares Initiative will galvanize other Bahamian citizens and residents to pitch in and help support a population of the country, which - from her standpoint - can use all the support it can get.

"I believe in creating a community around this initiative, providing an opportunity for everyone to contribute and make a positive impact," said Major. "Together, we can show those facing cancer that they are not alone and that there is a network of people who genuinely care about their well-being."

At the handover, Major gave special thanks to the MD Cares very first corporate donors including Legacy Church Bahamas, Deltec Bank, TGS Print Studio, BIAS, Asa H Pritchard, Lowes Wholesale, Grace Community Church, Bahamas Road Masters, Bahamas Medical & Surgical Supplies, Trident Trust, Domino's Pizza, American Airlines, Allahar Intelligence, Custom-U, Raeh Williams Inc. Dr. Ebbie Jackson, Lanelle Williams, Lanelle Williams-Astwood, Sancha Miller and Alicia Butler.

The MD Cares Initiative is the philanthropic arm of her new company MD Patient Navigation, a concierge service designed specifically for persons battling cancer and other non-communicable diseases. 

As for anyone wanting to support the initiative, MD Cares accepts donations year-round. 

The public can learn more about MD Cares by visiting www.mdpnav.com or texting 805-2010.

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