“I am a living testimony of the fact that breast cancer doesn’t have to kill and it can make you stronger,” said Omonike Pickering, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2008 at age 25. Ms. Pickering is now a spokesperson for the BVI Cancer Society and a strong advocate for people to be more proactive when it comes to cancer, diagnosis and treatment.

“Most times breast cancer survivors have found their lumps themselves and upon doing so, don’t just sit down and don’t do anything. If you find anything not right with your body, get to the doctor as soon as possible and if you are not satisfied with one doctor’s assessment, get second opinion,” Ms. Pickering encouraged a small group of women, who were gathered at UMI Fashion for a breast cancer awareness celebration and awareness event called “Pretty in Pink” held on October 26, 2011. The event was part of the activities for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The very vocal young lady encourages those who are diagnosed to pray as it’s a very important part of healing and survival. She also said it was important to have the support of family and friends.

Sharing a word of advice to those who will be supporting cancer patients, Ms. Pickering said “Do not treat them as if they are dead …they are very much alive and often times we don’t want to be treated as if we are on death stone and want to be treated normally and also you may want to express your concern, use different ways to show your concern not just by asking someone how they are feeling,” the survivor advised those who may want to support cancer patients, noting that a simple hug will help.

According to the survivor, fear has no place in breast cancer or any type of disease as it immobilizes people and also prevents them from even getting the treatment they need.

“No one is saying you should not fear but it should not be the predominant factor in you doing anything. Many who died from breast cancer are the ones who felt the lump and did nothing about it, felt the lump went to the doctor and got a wrong assessment or went to their doctor heard they have breast cancer and did nothing out of fear of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or even being stigmatized,” she said.

Another breast cancer survivor, “AJ” recalled when she was diagnosed in 2009 and how she remained positive. She said, finding out she had breast cancer was just a “tiny pothole in the road” for her and stressed that a positive attitude is the best weapon in any fight. “Cancer does not define you but the way you live your life and fight when you have to fight, does,” she said.

Gloria Fahie is a breast cancer survivor for just over a year and for her, developing a positive attitude towards her diagnosis is what kept her strong. She promises to help anyone who needs her help in their fight against cancer.

She recalled when she was diagnosed last August, it changed her whole life. She recalled feeling a sharp pain in her breast and ignored it but it was when she found her nipples were bleeding that she really started the road to discovery about breast cancer and her diagnosis. “At the beginning I panicked. I even got in an accident,” she recalled.

The survivor said the saddest moment for her initially was when she was told she had to take off her breast. However she did a second mammogram to review her results but later accepted she had to take it off and from then adapted a positive attitude in dealing with her cancer.

“It’s so funny, I used to go around saying my breast is my best asset. But by the time I did the mammogram over I heard this voice, whether it was the Holy Spirit or what, told me Gloria you know fully well you have to take off that breast you know, and I accepted the fact I had to take it off and from that moment till now I have a positive attitude,” said the survivor.

She said on that day she also made a promise to herself which she will keep for the rest of her life. “I said Lord if I can help one person in their fight against any cancer, I am willing and always willing to do so and I am so happy I have been keeping that promise and intend to keep it until the day I die. Whatever happens I will accept it and if anyone out there who hears my voice and want my help I am always willing to help them.”

Her words of encouragement to those with breast cancer are: The fight continues, we will find a cure for cancer.

The events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues this afternoon, Friday October 28, 2011 with a “Colour me pink” fashion show hosted by UMI’s Fashion in collaboration with the BVI Cancer Society. The fashion show will be held in front of UMI’s store from 5:30 p.m.