Cay Hill:--- On October the 28th, 2016 the National institute for Professional Advancement Student Council of the day group, held a Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, where the students, teachers and staff who wore pink or pink accessories, donated a dollar to support the cause. The money which was collected was donated to the Still Beautiful Foundation. The founder of the foundation, Ms. Marcelina Loblack, who is a breast cancer survivor, was invited to share her journey and some information on breast cancer. Her main goal with her foundation is providing care and motivation for cancer patients throughout their journey. She gave a brief speech about her experience during her trying times, and explained that the bright side about her journey is that she had a great support team, starting with her son right down to her friends. She stated that she supports women who have to undergo surgery to remove their breast and want to get reconstruction surgery, so they can feel good about themselves, and not like less of a woman. She indicated that there are several synthetic options that can be used in the meantime, that are quite innovative and natural in comparison to traditional synthetic breast that was made of sand. In this day and age, you would not even be able to tell the difference between the real and synthetic as there are ones available for every occasion, from the beach to a gala.
She also stated that there is an increased in breast cancer among younger women around the world. A mammogram is normally performed at the age of 50, but due to the increase, it has changed it to age 35. She explained the importance of being informed and getting checked or doing self-examinations monthly. She also informed the group that men can also obtain breast cancer. She is determined to not be silent about breast cancer and encouraged students that they should not be either. Her sole purpose is to educate and inform men and women about cancer and how to detect it early in order to start treatment in a timely manner. She encouraged the students that if they happen to find out that they or anyone they know has brest cancer, to be positive and not morn because negativity feed off negativity. Fight and be strong was the message she sent out. The donation to the Still Beautiful Foundation is a support to continue the good work on St.Maarten and sister islands.
NIPA GOES PINK with breast cancer survivor Ms. Marcelina Loblack.
