Breast Cancer Project: Breast Cancer Awareness is Every Month in the USVI

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized in October, the Breast Cancer Project recognizes every month in the U.S. Virgin Islands for its awareness of the victims, survivors and those loved ones who survive them.

“We never want to forget those members of our territory who have lost their lives to breast cancer. We also want to remember the people who have lost their lives from other types of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to celebrate those warriors who put up a tremendous fight against cancer. The Virgin Islanders living in America’s Paradise are even more determined to WIN the battle and find the cure for cancer,” said USVI Breast Cancer Project advocate Diane Hampton.

Hampton came up with the idea for a V.I. Breast Cancer Memorial Photo Exhibit. Loved ones of those who lost their battle with cancer can share their memories with a framed photo exhibited at the Caribbean Museum for the Arts. Oct. 29 was the opening day for submission and the photos will remain until Dec. 3. This visual remembrance is a way of memorializing that special person, Hampton said.

The last date for the framed photo submission is Dec. 2. Information for submitting the photo for framing is available at the end of this feature story for those who are interested.

The Breast Cancer Therapy art exhibit will open Dec. 8 and continue through Dec. 10. The exhibit will feature the art created by the cancer survivor participants in the program.

The closing on Dec. 10 will highlight silk-dyed scarves also created by art therapy participants. The evening will feature a fashion show with The House of Thomas LaVone, an American womenswear brand that boasts a timeless feminine aesthetic.

Videographer/photographer Kevin Moolenaar will exhibit photographs of the participants in the Breast Cancer Therapy workshops. Moolenaar’s videos of the workshops will run simultaneously throughout the evening. The Eddie Russell Jazz Band will entertain for the closing. Leatherback Brewery will donate their cold local beer.