We can all help in the fight against breast cancer

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5: Whether it’s organizing a girls’ night in, walking with friends, dancing the rumba or just wearing a pink bra — there are so many ways you can help in the fight against breast cancer this month.

There are a host of events taking place across the island during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to help raise funds for the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre (BCHC). All money raised will go towards upgrading the island’s diagnostic equipment as well as patient support, increasing early cancer detection and decreasing the time between screening and diagnosis.

Deborah Titterton-Narraway, fundraising officer at BCHC, said: “We are always overwhelmed at this time of year by the community support. Underneath all the fundraising, the important element is that people are getting together across the island to raise awareness and early detection is the most important message.”

Cancer awareness events:

Thursday, October 6: Cancer Awareness Month kicks off with the Moon Light Bazaar at the Moon Bar at 95 Front Street from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. There will be a selection of fall trends as well as Hallowe’en costumes for sale.

Everyone is encouraged to wear pink.

Thursday, October 6: Ultimate Imaging is hosting a free cocktail party for the ladies at the Bermuda Society of Arts from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There will be local vendors and giveaways. RSVP by calling Monique Bridgewater on 335-9696 or e-mailing: [email protected].

Friday, October 7: There will be free Three Olives Vodka samples, giveaways, club membership discounts and free entry to Shine’s House of Music at 91 Reid Street for anyone wearing pink. There will be live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and happy hour drink prices from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.

Wednesday, October 12: BCHC will be hosting its 15th Annual Breast Cancer Fun Walk at Barr’s Bay Park. Vendors and information desk will be available from 5pm to 5:45pm and the walk starts at 6pm prompt. Walk packs are available from BF&M, BCHC, Sportseller or online at www.chc.bm

Wednesday, October 12: Fundraising organization Melangé will host an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Gosling’s Wine Cellar at 9 Dundonald Street from 7pm to 10pm. This year’s theme is Life After Cancer. Anyone interested in sponsoring can do so by calling Renee Carter at 292-2535, 737-5363 or email [email protected]. There will be entertainment by local artists and Nikita Robinson will be the master of ceremonies. All guests are asked to donate a minimum of $25 (sponsors will be admitted free) which includes a complimentary drink and a gift.Special guest is Dr Kevin Hughes, medical director at Bermuda Cancer Genetics and risk assessment clinical surgical director, breast screening, co-director at Avon Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Centre, Massachusetts General Hospital.

There will be raffles and a silent auction. Raffle tickets are available for $10 each at the Bra Boutique, Emporium Building Front Street.

Friday, October 14: Indulge in a glass of champagne and donate some funds at the Bubbly for Breast Cancer event at The O-Bar (formerly Opus) at 4 Bermudiana Road.

Sunday, October 16: Breast cancer survivors will be modelling for the Just Between Us Fashion Show and Tea at St Paul’s Christian Education Hall in Paget from 3pm. Tickets are available for $20 by calling 236-3613, 236-4563 or from the BCHC at 46 Point Finger Road from 10am to 12pm tomorrow.

Thursday, October 20: Local fundraiser Verde Pineda decided to open up her birthday party to the whole island with all money raised going towards breast cancer awareness . She is throwing a Zumba dance fundraiser at Bermuda High School for Girls from 5:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children. From 5:30pm to 6pm is fun zumba for kids and adult registration. From 6pm to 7:15pm is the adult zumba and Shake Weight class and from 7:15pm to 7:30pm (wear pink and bring a Shake Weight if possible.) There will be healthy snacks and refreshments served as well as the chance to win door prizes. RSVP to [email protected] or call 338-3733. Donations can be accepted online at www.cancer.bm/event-fundraisers/4583.

Friday, October 21: It’s Annual Denim Day.Businesses can allow their employees to wear denim. Anyone who makes a donation of $5 or more will get a cancer awareness sticker.

To participate contact Deborah Narraway at [email protected].

Businesses can register for stickers online at www.cancer.bm.

Friday, October 21:

Gibbons Company is hosting its Charity Shopping Day. Customers are asked for a $5 donation in exchange for a discount voucher.

Friday, October 21: Christ Church, Warwick is hosting its annual Friday Fish Fry from 5pm to 8:30pm. Take out or eat in for $20 per person. Tickets are available from Keith’s Kitchen at the BAA parking lot, Christ Church, Warwick or BCHC.

Thursday, October 27:

Guest speaker Dr David Green will present a Breast Health Talk at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute from 6pm to 7:30pm. Sponsored by CableVision.

Throughout the month of October

Free mammograms: There will be free mammogram screenings for over 40s who have delayed their annual screening due to cost. Call 236-0949 or 236-1001 for more information. This initiative has been sponsored by Allied World Assurance Company.

Caring Cups: Coffee shops and other store in Bermuda will have donation buckets.

North Village Community Club:  The football team will be fully kitted out in pink and Freisenbruch Meyer will donate $100 to BCHC for every goal scored.

Faces of Breast Cancer: Support group Reach for to Recovery has organized a photography display at City Hall celebrating the many faces of cancer. There will be pictures of survivors during treatment and a little story of what they went through.

Girls’ Night In: What better excuse to invite your girlfriends over and host a celebration in aid of cancer awareness? To register and event e-mail [email protected].

The Bra Boutique pink bra campaign: Whenever a pink bra is purchased, all of the proceeds will go towards Melange, a breast cancer foundation that is raising money for BCHC.

Wear pink: Anyone can show their support by wearing pink this month.