'Cancer is not a death sentence' - Gloria A. Fahie
Those were the words of cancer survivor and President of the BVI Cancer Society, Ms Gloria A. Fahie, during an exclusive interview, giving words of hope to Mrs Charmaine R. Rosan-Bunbury, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
The President of the BVI Cancer Society ensures that if someone who has been diagnosed with any type of cancer comes to them for assistance, they will not turn them away.
"We always extend an olive branch and we are going to help you because I believe in life and my team members believe in life and we believe in hope," emphasised Ms Fahie.
"Cancer is not a death sentence"- Gloria A. Fahie
While lamenting that she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer about eight years ago, she noted that persons often times think that 'cancer is a death sentence', but assures that it is not.
She explained, "Actually cancer is a way for you to reevaluate your life. What you want out of your life? What you want to accomplish?"
Ms Fahie mentioned that during the time since she was diagnosed, she has seen a number a persons -young and old- died.
According to the president, persons with cancer should not focus on the negative aspects of the disease rather, they should focus on the positive.
She also encourages persons to talk about what they are going through because it will help them and help others.
"That's what I did. I never kept it as a secret. I've helped others by talking about my experiences," said Ms Fahie.
Lower the risk of cancer
While medical experts advise women to wait until they are forty and older to get tested for breast cancer, Ms Fahie disagrees and believes that women should get tested from an early age.
She recalled to our news reporter that she knows of cases (none in the Virgin Islands) in California and Canada where persons were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 10.
As a result, she strongly believes that women under the age of 40 should request a Tumor Marker Test when they are doing their annual physical, which will allow them to know if cancer cells are forming inside of the body.
Meanwhile, Ms Fahie stated that there are some things that can be done to lower the risk of cancer.
She stated that persons should exercise regularly, while admitting that this has been a battle for her because she has not been consistent.
Additionally, she pointed out that avid smokers should stop or limit the use of cigarettes and part take in nutritional meals.
"Hope is the key. We have to hang on to hope at all times because in the end that is what's going to propel us to carry on," said the President of the BVI Cancer Society.
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3 Responses to “'Cancer is not a death sentence' - Gloria A. Fahie”
Beyond campaigning from her chair, where she appears chic and comfortable in her own skin; She’s the greatest contender for hope as you cope with the big “C” and in need of answers. I get goosebumps imagining the challenges that anyone faces when diagnosed, but to have anyone fight for me, beside me, and with me, is encouraging. That is why a “Gloria” matters!
Gloria you and your team Matters. I see how you have put yourself forward; and because of your capacity and approach, you’ve elevated this delicate convolution. I am grateful that the BVI people has this platform: illness is neither specific to wealth, age, creed, nor ethnicity. Gloria, you are compassionate, composed, caring, and the consummate spokeswoman. You, too, like her and so many others, are a Caribbean treasure and a blessing to this lady you are vying for. I'll be praying for her recovery too.