JN Money, diaspora donors boost breast cancer support

More than $1 million has been donated to support breast cancer patients in Jamaica, bolstering the efforts of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach to Recovery, a breast cancer survivor advocacy group, to expand access to life-saving screening and treatment services.

The funds, which were contributed by JN Money customers in Jamaica and the diaspora, along with donations from the company, were handed over at the offices of JN Money recently and form part of the JN Group’s Power of Pink campaign, an annual initiative observed each October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The contribution is in addition to the more than $5 million donated by JN Money customers over the past five years in support of breast cancer initiatives.

Roshane Reid-Koomson, executive director, JCS, welcomed the donation, noting that it will directly support the organisation’s efforts to provide mammograms for women who are unable to afford the cost of screening.

“At the Jamaica Cancer Society, we make every effort not to turn anyone away even when our resources are stretched. Partnerships like the one we share with JN Money are critical. We are especially heartened by their continued support even in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Cancer does not stop because of a natural disaster, and JN Money could have chosen to redirect their support elsewhere, but they chose to stand with us,” she said.

“These partnerships allow us to bridge financial gaps so that women who need screening are not denied access simply because of cost,” Reid-Koomson added.

The JCS is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the fight against cancer in all its forms. This year marks its 70th anniversary.

Reid-Koomson underscored that screening is the first and most critical step in cancer care as early detection can save lives.

“Mammography plays a vital role in detecting abnormalities early, yet access and cost are prohibitive. The Jamaica Cancer Society is actively advocating for the acquisition of a new mammography machine so that we can serve more clients. Late-stage cancers are more difficult and more expensive to treat. Without functional mammography and other imaging services, timely diagnosis becomes nearly impossible,” she said.

Referencing statistics provided by the Global Cancer Observatory (2022), Reid-Koomson pointed out that cancer is the second leading cause of death in Jamaica after cardiovascular diseases. In 2022 alone, there were 1,327 new breast cancer cases among women, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of all female cancers, and 684 deaths from breast cancer.

“Women should make it a habit to schedule regular mammograms, and one simple way to remember is to use your birthday as an annual reminder. In addition, regular breast self-examinations are essential. Many breast cancers are first detected because someone noticed a change such as a lump, pain, redness, nipple inversion, or discharge. Being familiar with your body and paying attention to changes can make a life-saving difference. Women with a family history of breast cancer need to begin screening earlier,” Reid-Koomson emphasised.

Sandra Samuels, president of Jamaica Reach to Recovery, said the financial support will enable the organisation to help offset the cost of critical pre-treatment tests for patients, noting that each patient is provided with up to $150,000.

“Even though KPH (Kingston Public Hospital) does the surgery free of cost, many surgeries require pre-testing. They will have to do CT scans, bone scans, blood tests, X-rays, and those things come at a cost, and many of them don’t have the first dollar.”

She further indicated that Jamaica Reach to Recovery assists an estimated 120 women each year and that the organisation relies heavily on fundraising activities and donor support to continue its work.

Shelly-Ann Morgan, one of the beneficiaries, shared that Jamaica Reach to Recovery absorbed the cost of her mammogram and CT scan. Mother of three, Morgan has been a breast cancer survivor for the past three years.

“I’m really grateful that there was somewhere that I could turn to get assistance,” she said, adding that the cost associated with her treatment is high and that she doesn’t have insurance.

Sanya Wallace-Innerarity, assistant general manager for strategy, marketing, and sales at JN Money Services, said the company’s long-standing support of the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery reflects its commitment to reducing barriers to care for women and men affected by breast cancer.

“We are deeply grateful to our customers in the diaspora and Jamaica whose contributions continue to make a meaningful difference,” she said, adding that this is the sixth year customers in the diaspora have been on board in making contributions.

“Year after year, we see how timely screening and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes for women facing breast cancer. Our commitment to breast cancer awareness and support is rooted in our belief that no woman should have to face this journey alone because we recognise the real challenges women face from diagnosis, to treatment, to recovery.”