Interview with Alicia Hansraj, President of Lions Club Tropical Gardens on Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Cayman Islands
Q: Why does the LCTG support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
The origins of our breast cancer awareness efforts date back to 1997, within our club. It was inspired by a member’s personal connection, when her friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. The club then embarked on a mission to raise community awareness about this critical health issue. Since then, we have been dedicated to raising community awareness about this critical health issue. Our efforts focus on disseminating information about early detection to women in the Cayman Islands. By empowering women with knowledge and resources, we aim to improve health outcomes and support those affected by breast cancer.
Q: How did the LCTG and the BCF originally start working together?
This collaboration began when REMAX owner Mr. Kim Lund took the initiative to personally provide the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens with an annual grant of $10,000.00. Mr. Lund, along with Mr. James Bovell, then established the BC Foundation. This generous donation was made in honor of Mr. Lund’s late first wife, Brenda Tibbetts- Lund – who succumbed to breast cancer. This underscores his enduring commitment to our cause each year.
Q: How does the LCTG support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
The LCTG supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection. This includes:
- organizing community outreach in each district within Grand Cayman and one in Cayman Brac, where Doctors from various health organizations disseminate critical information about breast cancer signs, symptoms, prevention to aid in our theme “Early Detection Saves Lives”
- mammogram vouchers are issued to qualified women in attendance, who are over 40 and haven’t had an examination done in the past two years.
- women are provided with literature about breast cancer and guidance on how to prepare for their mammogram screening.
Through these efforts, the LCTG empowers the community especially women with the knowledge and tools needed to improve health outcomes and fosters a community of support and awareness.
For fundraising, the club collaborates with local organizations to provide resources and sponsorship. Additionally, we sell various items including our Dress Down Dress Pink t-shirts & Polos in our Pink Shop through the month of October and host our annual Brenda Tibbetts – Lund Walk/Run.
Q: What impact has the LCTG had on Breast Cancer Awareness in the Cayman Islands?
Anecdotal evidence indicates that women are now undergoing screenings earlier, leading to the detection of tumors at an earlier stage. As a result, fewer women are presenting with stage four breast cancer, a positive shift from previous decades. This improvement is attributed to increased awareness by the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens. We remain committed to promoting early detection and better outcomes for our community.
Q: How can the community get involved in the LCTG Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives?
- Participate in Events:
- Register for the walk/run which is scheduled for October 13, 2024,
- Participate in our Dress Down Dress Pink Day on October 25, 2024
- Participate in our Pink Drink Happy Hour on Oct 25, venue TBA.
- Volunteer: at the Walk//Run event
- Donate: To the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens supermarket collections or directly to the Club’s Breast Cancer Awareness account 06975-1071166
- Events and initiatives
- District Awareness Meetings during Oct with additional meetings at the HSA Health Clinics in the districts and at the General Practice Clinic.
- Walk Run Oct 13
- Dress Down Dress Pink Day Oct 25
- Pink Drink Happy Hour Oct 25
- Survivors Breakfast (this event is for breast cancer survivors only and is by invitation only. If survivors are not registered, they should contact the club via for an invitation).