Another successful PACCE event

By Christopher Tobutt

Around 250 walkers, runners and cyclists got up before the crack of dawn for the Eighth Lions Club of Grand Cayman Delano Hislop Memorial PACCE (Prostate and Colon Cancer Event), which began and finished at the Jasmine Building on West Bay Road, on Sunday morning. Each of them paid CI$ 25 to take part, either by walking for 5k, or running for 10k, or cycling for 15k.

Current President of Lions Club of Grand Cayman, Cordella Chollette said: “This is to bring awareness to men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, colon cancer and testicular cancer. We know that if it is detected early you can survive prostate and colon cancer. Statistics have shown that early detection is the key so we want to bring awareess to men out there, so that they will get their checks early. We anticipate that we will raise a minimum of 50,000 dollars from this event, and that money is going to be used for more awareness meetings in the districts. It will assist men with getting their prostate cancer testing done. Part of the proceeds will go to the cancer society and part of the proceeds will go to Jasmine.”

A group of walkers and runners were busy doing stretches before the sun came up. Patricia Muschette said: “I wanted to support The PACCE event because I don’t think its recognised and acknowledged enough. I’m a runner- I run all the time, so I am feeling fit enough.” Her friend, Corrine Evans-Ebanks is a 5k veteran: “I always do a lot of 5ks and they go to a worthy cause. This is my thirteenth 5K for the year,” she said.

Radio talk show host Orrett “OC” Connor was there with members of his cycling group, called the ‘Day Breakers.’ “We try to support as many activities as possible, and when it involves cycling we are even more motivated. We’ve decided to support PACCE, and we have done it in the past as marshals on our bicycles. It’s a great event and we continue to support it on an annual basis.”

Cayman’s Miss Teen, Ashley Gooden was there too: “I wanted to take part in the walk today because I think it is important to take part in programmes that are happening in the Cayman Islands,” she said

His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper was warming up; he was going to take part in the run. A fitness enthusiast, he is known for jogging on the sand along Seven Mile Beach: “I want to support this great cause and this is cancer awareness month. I think it is really important we raise awareness of cancer. Everyone knows someone who has a friend or relative or work colleague who has had cancer, and early prevention is the key - going and getting yourself checked before it can take hold.”

The very first person over the line, Cyclist Andrew McLaughlin, who is 64, “that’s not bad for an old man,” he said.

Sunday’s walk follows an extensive awareness campaign that has been put on by the Lions Club of Grand Cayman. Earlier in the week the Club took their campaign to the Water Authority.

The Lions Club of Grand Cayman Prostate, Colorectal (colon) & Testicular Cancers Event (PACCE) committee took their cancer awareness campaign to the Water Authority Tuesday, when PACCE Committee Chair Lion Ercley Bodden spoke briefly about the story behind PACCE and the importance of educating men and women on the importance of getting tested early for Prostate, Colorectal (colon) & Testicular Cancers.