Immediate Results from Cancer Walk Event 2019
Tara A. Spears
You came, you partied, you donated big and you said, “Use it now!” We listened to our supporters’ comments and jumped into action. The Jaltemba Cancer Walk Committee is proud to tell that all funds raised from the 2019 have been put to work immediately: local women are receiving free mammograms and free cervical cancer tests while breast cancer survivors are getting treatment for lymphedema. In addition, the CW Committee added an educational component by printing and distributing self-exam literature in Spanish. Nope, none of the generously donated pesos is gathering dust- we are making a difference IMMEDIATELY.
In case you are just discovering the annual pink parade that takes place the Monday before Valentine’s Day each February, it originated 9 years ago when a relative of Hinde was diagnosed with breast cancer. The first event was to raise money for Marlene’s medical treatment and chemo therapy. The idea to make a visual statement to draw attention to breast cancer was the brainchild of Dorothy Bell (Dorothy Bell is the is the publisher of the Sol Mexico News, Friends of Nayarit, On the Road in Mexico). It was decided to have a parade wearing pink that started from Mateja’s ocean front restaurant, walk through Guayabitos, walk through La Penita, parade down the avenida to terminate at Hinde and Jaime’s for a street party with beer, burgers, dancing. It was so much fun and attracted so many people. What was originally intended to be a one-time occurrence was decided to be continued with the money raised to purchase a mammogram machine for our community.
The purchase of a mammogram machine wasn’t feasible for many reasons, but the cochairs devised a voucher system in 2014 that enabled the Cancer Walk event to pay for the diagnostic tests. After several adjustments, the current system has proven successful in getting that are high risk for cancer or who have symptoms quick medical assessment. Many, many thanks go to: Dra. Lidiana Flores for donating her professional expertise and time; to Patty Hueso who donates ALL the preparation for the event including permits, staff, set-up & food; to Hinde & Jaime who donate the cost of this event for nine years; to Tecate Beer distributing for donating beer; and to Jaltemba Transport for safely moving our patients from La Penita to the women’s center, DIV, in Puerto Vallarta.
Since Cancer Walk event has exceeded our required operating expenses the last two years, we are able to share the love with the Cancer de Mama Clinic group for operating the Lymphedema component.
Lymphedema is abnormal swelling that can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso as a side effect of breast cancer surgery and/or radiation therapy. Lymphedema can appear in some people months or even years after treatment ends.
Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body to remove wastes, bacteria, and other substances from tissues. Edema is the buildup of excess fluid. So lymphedema occurs when too much lymph collects in any area of the body. If lymphedema develops in people who’ve been treated for breast cancer, it usually occurs in the arm and hand, but sometimes it affects the breast, underarm, chest, trunk.
In a hot, high humidity climate such as in Nayarit state, women with lymphedema experience increased pain from this condition. In addition, the Mexican government does not provide supplies such as compression sleeves and elastic wraps or even instruction on how to deal with this chronic condition. This is where the wonderful volunteers at the yearly Cancer de Mama Clinic have stepped up to provide relief for the Mexican breast cancer survivors.
Yes, Cancer Walk is a time to be silly, a time to drink and dance. But do not forget that we have a very serious objective- celebrating life by providing an opportunity for early detection of female cancer. All money is used to help our neighbors live a healthier life.
Thank you everyone for your support!
Mark the date: Monday, February 10, 2020 for the next Cancer Walk
We will be selling a limited number of commemorative t shirts for our 10th anniversary!
