Cancer survivors Nioca Irving Simpson (second left), Ann-Marie Gordon (centre) and Norma Reid (second right), are all smiles during a Pre-Mother’s Day brunch held in their honour at the Alambra Inn, recently by the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI). With them are ICWI Road Angel policy holders Shullian Brown (left) and Andrea Graham-Simmonds (right).

As the jubilant occasion approach to celebrate mothers across the land, several cancer survivors were recently feted in fine style at a mid morning Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch.

Hosted at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston by the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI), the happy moment also signalled the beginning of a relationship. It’s one worth nurturing, as ICWI made its first installment of the a Road Angel ‘Give Back’ initiative to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS).This was marked by a donation of $687,000.

The intimate affair created the ideal setting for the cancer warriors to mingle with senior representatives of the ICWI, JCS and the Jamaica Reach to Recovery group.

Vice President of Marketing, Distribution and Human Resources at ICWI, Samantha Samuda, explained that the exuberant event is a simple gesture to display the company’s appreciation of women.

“This is our way of honouring all mothers because they are truly deserving; especially those who have survived cancer and continue to fight. They are our role models and true testament to how powerful woman are,” she said.

WOMEN HELPING OTHER WOMEN

In the midst of the excitement, the women of the hour were reminded of the opportunities they will be able to receive from the new union between the two entities. The benefits are intended to ensure that they’ll be able to continue to perform their nurturing duties.

First designed to provide incentives for safety conscious female drivers, the rewarding Road Angel ‘Give Back’ initiative now allows policyholders the opportunity to help in the fight against breast cancer.

It facilitates donations of just $1,000 for every new Road Angel insurance policy. The funds raised are intended to offset the high costs associated with testing and treatment for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Yulit Gordon, executive director of the JCS, said in a grateful and festive tone, that the entity is very privileged to have such a great partnership with the ICWI Group.

She said, “Together we have successfully increased the level of public awareness and public education about breast cancer,” she said. “The funds received will be used to expand the JCS’ public education programme as well as to increase the number of screening clinics across the island to bring access to more vulnerable women.”

The joyful merrymaking ended on a high note, with all satisfied and looking towards greater times.

Ann-Marie Gordon, one of the cancer survivors, wholly enjoyed the treat. She explained that she is appreciative of the assistance to support her struggles.

“I have got all kinds of support from the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery, including financial support for most of my tests. I am thankful for that,” she said.

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