A delegation from the BVICS left these shores on March 3, 2014 for the USVI where they had what was described as a very successful and fruitful meeting with Executive Director- American Cancer Society, USVI Ms Lorraine Baa. Photo: Provided

The BVICS and ACSVI Memorandum of understanding will soon be signed to cement the partnership especially for the signature Relay-for-Life copyright activity according to President of the BVICS Ms Gloria Fahie. Photo: VINO/File

A delegation from the BVICS left these shores on March 3, 2014 for the USVI where they had what was described as a very successful and fruitful meeting with Executive Director - American Cancer Society, USVI Ms Lorraine E. Baa.

The BVICS team included President BVI Cancer Society Ms. Gloria Fahie, Mr. Phil Aspinal Vice President, BVI Cancer Society, Ms. Malisha Brathwiate Committee-Man, Ms. Patricia HanleyMember, BVI Cancer Society, Ms. Roselia James-Dawson, Trustee, BVI Cancer Society, Ms. Shakeema Venaterpool Assistant Secretary, BVI Cancer Society, Ms. Althea Guishard, Committee-Man, Ms. Jennifer Chinchester Secretary, BVI Cancer Society.

“Ms. Baa was very happy to see the number of persons from the BVI Cancer Society that came to have discussions.  She expressed that the American Cancer Society of the U.S. Virgin Islands wanted to partner with the BVI Cancer Society for some time now and was excited to begin dialogue,” related President of the BVICS Ms Gloria Fahie.     

Discussions began with the Relay-for Life activities and how the BVICS can participate in the St. Thomas activities and how they can assist the local organisation in organizing their own Relay-for-Life under the American Cancer Society’s brand.

“Relay-for-Life” is a brand that is copyrighted under the American Cancer Society. Any use of the logo and/or duplication of the event without permission from the American Cancer Society can lead to legal actions.

The decision was cemented that the BVI Cancer Society will participate in St. Thomas Relay-for-Life which will be held on June 21-22, 2014 on the Charlotte Amalie High School grounds. The event kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and runs all night until noon the next day.  

“The BVI Cancer Society can have any number of teams. We hope to have at least two teams. Each team is comprised of 15 persons. If we acquire more than 15 persons we have to create a second team. Each team must have a name,” explained Ms Fahie.

Further to this BVICS was there and then able to set a date for the first VI Relay-for-Life; March 28-29, 2015 with the tentative venue being the O.A. Shirley Recreation Grounds.

The discussion has also resulted in yet another fundraising activity for 2014 for the BVICS that being an event called a Hope Dinner. “The American Cancer Society had organized one on Water Island and it was a huge success. We were able to view pictures of the event. BVI Cancer Society agreed to hold a similar event in May 2014 and considers two possible venues: Maria’s By The Sea and The Moorings,” Ms Fahie told this news site.

“Making Strides” is another brand under the American Cancer Society that targets Breast Cancer Awareness and was discussed with the new partners. It is a walk event that is also highlighted by other attention grabbing activities. This is an event BVICS hopes to hold in October, 2014. Consideration is being given to hold the event on the H. Lavity Stoutt College grounds.”  

Bark for Life is a new brand of the American Cancer Society and the first event in the U.S. Virgin Islands will take place this year. It is geared toward dog lovers and was extensively discusses by the two group with the hope that a similar one can be held here in the VI.

The BVI Cancer Society will partners with the American Cancer Society and develop a Memorandum of Understanding between each other which will cement the relationship even further placing each organization in a more solidified collaborative relationship.

Ms Baa spoke of the Hope Lodge in Puerto Rico where ACSVI has rooms and their cancer patients, upon recommendation from the ACSVI, can stay in those rooms free of charge. “This is one of the courtesies the ACSVI hopes to extend to the people of the British Virgin Islands via the BVICS and we are going to work towards tapping in on this because this is a major need for our patients. Lots of our patients go to Puerto Rico for treatment and care,” said Ms Fahie.

Training is also a big thing on the table for the partners and according to Ms Fahie, ACSVI is ready to assist the BVICS especially for the start-up of their own support groups. ACSVI is hoping to use some of their own local support groups such as; Look Good Feel Good and I Can Cope for the training exercises.