Whether they ran or walked, completion of the Tobago Moves 5K is symbolic of the journey that many cancer patients face.
On Saturday, the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society hosted its inaugural Tobago Moves 5K Run in partnership with Republic Bank Ltd and the Division of Health and Wellness to raise awareness about cancer and highlight the importance of early detection.
In her address, First Vice-Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society Dr Marlene Sukhdeo said the Society is seeking to increase its presence on the island.
“While our mobile screening units and outreach teams have visited your communities for years, Tobago Moves is us planting our roots even deeper. It’s our way of saying we are here, we are partners and we are in this together.”
THA Health Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor hailed the collaboration as integral to helping raise the level of cancer awareness among the Tobago population.
“You seeing them with the lovely sashes – that is who we are doing this for. Thank you so much for continuing to show that cancer is something that you can survive and that you can continue living after the diagnosis.”
Dr Brebnor also praised cancer survivors who participated in the 5K for their courage.
“The reason it is important for you to be here and the reason it is important for you all to listen to what’s here is because cancers are preventable. And even if you may already have it, because we are not sure what may have happened, it is better for you to be diagnosed early.”
The 5K began at Republic Bank’s Auckenskeoch location and looped through the Lowlands area.
First to complete the 5K was Isaiah Alder, followed by Elvis Turner in second place, and Shirvon Scipio in third.