Kingston, Jamaica; ​Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JRR), the support arm of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS), was presented with a cheque for JMD$1,000,000 from the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) on Friday, October 23, 2020 at their Head Office in Kingston Jamaica.  ICWI has been a long standing partner of the Jamaica Cancer Society, and Jamaica Reach to Recovery as they work together in the fight against Breast Cancer.

As the title sponsor of the annual ICWI Pink Run, which usually takes place on the last Sunday of October, ICWI was disappointed that the 5K Run which is the largest fundraiser for Jamaica Reach to Recovery could not be held.

The handover was made by President of ICWI, Paul Lalor, who shared his perspective “ICWI remains committed to the fight against Breast Cancer not only in Jamaica but regionally.  We consider ourselves a ladies’ company and we are happy to be part of an initiative which supports our ladies.  The amazing work being done by the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery makes this is such a worthwhile project that has been very fulfilling in every way… fulfilling from the charitable aspect and for the staff at ICWI.”

Despite the fact that the ICWI Pink Run could not take place this year, ICWI is optimistic about the turn out for 2021, “2019 saw a huge turnout of pink participants and supporters, we hope to make an even bigger contribution as we work towards getting to that magical 10 million dollar mark next year,” shared Lalor.

The presentation was made to Chairperson of JRR, Carolind Graham. “Reach to Recovery is a voluntary organization. We are all breast cancer survivors and so we know all too well how expensive treatment can be. This year has been even more challenging for us as we not only battle cancer but the downturn in donations and support due to the strain Covid-19 has put on the economy.”

Fundraising has become even more challenging for the JCS, this year with the help of ICWI they are promoting the sale of Pink masks; all proceeds go towards those most impacted by breast cancer.  Pink masks may be purchased directly from the Jamaica Cancer Society at 16 Lady Musgrave Road, or at ICWI’s Kingston Branches – New Kingston, Constant Spring Road, Cross Roads, and Liguanea.

 

Noting the unbiased nature of the disease, Vice President of Marketing, Distribution and Human Resources at ICWI, Samantha Samuda reminded Jamaicans to get checked regularly, as early detection is the best cure.   “The world is faced with significant challenges this year and it easy to forget some of the most important things we need to be mindful of; breast cancer has far reaching effects predominantly among women, we continue to encourage our customers and members of the public to be proactive, get checked regularly and seek support from Reach to Recovery and the Cancer Society where necessary.”

From left: Acting Executive Director of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) Michael Leslie; chair of Jamaica Reach to

Recovery (JRR), Carolind Graham, and president of the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI), Paul Lalor,

hold a symbolic cheque valued at $1 million which was donated to JRR, the support arm of the JCS. The handover

ceremony was held last week Friday at ICWI’s offices in St Andrew. ICWI has been a long-standing partner of the

JCS and JRR as they work together in the fight against breast cancer.