In a touching tribute to the architects of change, the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) orchestrated a high-tea ceremony at the elegant Marie-Antoinette Restaurant last Friday. The event was an homage to the organization’s founding members who, 23 years ago, laid the cornerstone of what has become a beacon of hope and support for cancer patients.
Presided over by the newly-elected executive committee—Chairperson Dinaz Van der Lans, Vice-Chairperson Mirose Laurencine, Secretary Arlette Houareau, Treasurer Meryl Clothilde, and other distinguished members—the gathering served as an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to the trailblazers who initiated the association.
The founding visionaries, including Archbishop Emeritus French Chang-Him, Ian Charlette, Bernadette Furneau, and several other key figures, were presented with commemorative shields. Special recognition was also given to the association’s longest-serving members, Sister Milcah Emilien and Molly Green, who received shields along with pink goodie-bags filled with CCA’s newly launched monthly newsletter, a pink pin, a keyring, and a historic photo from 1999.
“To all of you who were part of the inaugural executive committee in 1999, your service has been priceless. We look forward to your continued guidance as we carry on this noble mission,” expressed Ms. Van der Lans.
The occasion was also marked by a donation of R15,000 to the Oncology Unit, fulfilling a promise made by the association in 2021. This generous contribution will be channeled towards acquiring new scrubs for the unit. In tune with the needs of chemotherapy patients, the donation also encompassed grip socks and disposable booties, meeting the specific requirements of the treatment process.
In a mere six weeks since the Annual General Meeting, the new committee has been a whirlwind of activity. They have launched the first-ever CCA newsletter, revamped social media platforms, and even initiated a new Instagram account. The team has also been raising awareness through radio interviews and is in the process of forming a women’s breast cancer networking and support group.
The dynamic team is already hard at work planning awareness sessions across workplaces on Mahé Island and at Grand Anse Praslin School. To further deepen community involvement, they’ve launched a special challenge inviting all workplaces in Seychelles to ‘Go Pink’ on October 20. The crescendo of activities will culminate in a charity event at Eden Plaza on October 29.
As the international community embraces the theme ‘Together We Can,’ the motto of CCA resounds louder than ever: “You never have to walk alone.”
