IN observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Giving Hope Foundation (GHF) honoured cancer patients and cancer survivors in grand fashion at their annual gala and dinner at the Ramada Hotel in Providence over the weekend.
While keeping with the theme of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Keeping Her in the Picture,” a call to everyone to look out for the well-being of the important women in their lives, the guest speaker and founder of the Giving Hope Foundation, Dr. Latoya Gooding, explained that her organisation embodies the essence of love and kindness.
As she reflected on the remarkable work of the foundation and how far the institution has come, Dr. Gooding noted that “we are reminded of the transformative power of empathy and support; founded on the principles of extending a helping hand to those in need, this foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families.”
To date, Dr. Gooding said that collectively, the foundation has been able to help over 1500 recipients with care and food hampers, over 500 Pap smears, 1200 mammograms, and over 50 overseas pathologies tested at no cost to the individuals.
She added that “we have continued with workshops and events for cancer survivors and patients, nutritional sessions, physiotherapy, and cycle therapy for all our cancer patients and cancer survivors.
Through their collective effort, the doctor stated that the Giving Hope Foundation has empowered the underprivileged.
“With education and skills, we are offering them a pathway to a brighter future. With each life we touch and every smile we inspire, we affirm that commitment to making the world a better place,” the doctor explained.
She further stated that the Giving Hope Foundation stands as a testament to the boundless potential of the team when they come together with a shared purpose. Even in the face of adversity and challenges, the founder asked that compassion and determination be used to break down the barriers and build bridges for a brighter future.
Considering all that was mentioned, Dr. Gooding said the work of helping cancer patients and cancer survivors is far from over, with more dreams to fulfil, lives to change, and challenges to overcome.
As the nation celebrates the survivors’ achievements, as Guyanese, “we” should also rekindle our commitment to do much more by reaching out and touching more hearts, wiping away more tears, and illuminating more lives, the doctor said.
As part of the night’s event, the GHF honoured survivors, held a mini fashion show, and had renditions of inspirational songs and poems. They also revealed their 3rd edition of the Giving Hope Foundation’s e-magazine, SURVIVOR.
In the edition, the organisation shared more than ten stories of hope from cancer survivors across Guyana. According to the magazine, surviving cancer can seem like an unreachable dream to someone who has just been diagnosed or who is in the middle of treatment.
It is important to remember that many, many people make it through cancer treatment and into remission, moving on to live full and healthy lives. There are many warriors and many untold stories.
For many who are facing a cancer diagnosis or any other illness or hardship, hearing from others who have been through one already can be a great source of comfort and support.
It is the foundation’s hope that you will find inspiration in the stories of cancer survivors.
The foundation would also like to thank the cancer warriors for their bravery and for sharing their stories.
