Breast cancer is a leading killer of women worldwide. In the United States, we all know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer and research shows that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Since our early teens doctors have encouraged us to perform monthly self-breast exams, obtain yearly mammograms when we are older, and seek our primary care providers’ guidance if we have concerns. In short we have been armed with knowledge in the fight against breast cancer and awareness in the U.S. is at an all-time high.
However, here in Botswana breast cancer still touches many lives but is often lost in the battle against HIV and TB. Statistics are hard to pin down, and many women are not aware of the risks. Screening is practically non-existent because of a lack of awareness and resources. For example, in the capital city of Gaborone there are only 2 mammography machines. Therefore, if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer it is often not until the disease has reached a more advanced stage and is difficult to treat effectively.
For the next week we have the opportunity to work with a group of women committed to raising breast cancer awareness throughout Botswana. The Journey of Hope grew from the desire to advocate on behalf of women and to provide to care for those who otherwise could not afford it. The organization is trying to raise $200,000 for women who are unable to afford breast cancer treatment and reconstruction and seeks to educate the public on early breast cancer detection and breast self-examination. To this end, a team of women will be riding 12 Pink Vespa scooters over 1,000K from Maun to Gaborone starting in Maun on August 22 to coincide with a "Sisters for Blisters" fund/awareness raising walk for breast cancer.
We are honored to be included in this effort and will be accompanying them on their ride to provide informational talks at each village stop. We will teach local women about risk factors, self-exam techniques, signs and symptoms, and what to do if they have concerns. Megan and Danielle were thrilled to be on the national radio this afternoon to help spread the message and answer questions. Although we would love to keep you updated, we may be in remote areas without internet access and will post as we are able and share our stories when we return. Our posse of pink Vespas will be giving talks in the following towns:
However, here in Botswana breast cancer still touches many lives but is often lost in the battle against HIV and TB. Statistics are hard to pin down, and many women are not aware of the risks. Screening is practically non-existent because of a lack of awareness and resources. For example, in the capital city of Gaborone there are only 2 mammography machines. Therefore, if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer it is often not until the disease has reached a more advanced stage and is difficult to treat effectively.
For the next week we have the opportunity to work with a group of women committed to raising breast cancer awareness throughout Botswana. The Journey of Hope grew from the desire to advocate on behalf of women and to provide to care for those who otherwise could not afford it. The organization is trying to raise $200,000 for women who are unable to afford breast cancer treatment and reconstruction and seeks to educate the public on early breast cancer detection and breast self-examination. To this end, a team of women will be riding 12 Pink Vespa scooters over 1,000K from Maun to Gaborone starting in Maun on August 22 to coincide with a "Sisters for Blisters" fund/awareness raising walk for breast cancer.
We are honored to be included in this effort and will be accompanying them on their ride to provide informational talks at each village stop. We will teach local women about risk factors, self-exam techniques, signs and symptoms, and what to do if they have concerns. Megan and Danielle were thrilled to be on the national radio this afternoon to help spread the message and answer questions. Although we would love to keep you updated, we may be in remote areas without internet access and will post as we are able and share our stories when we return. Our posse of pink Vespas will be giving talks in the following towns:
· Saturday August 21st in Maun
· Sunday August 22nd Blisters for Sisters Charity Walk in Maun
· Monday August 23rd in Gweta and Nata
· Tuesday August 24th in Francistown
· Wednesday August 25th in Serowe
· Friday August 27th returning to Gaborone
For more information, see the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/index) and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125310307496277&ref=mf).
Posted by Penn Nurses in Botswana
They are all safely in Gweta! Need photos when you can!
ReplyDeleteAll Safely in Nata.
ReplyDeleteAll safely in Francistown ~ great talks on the radio by you girls!!
ReplyDeleteAll in Serowe where they got a fabulous welcome. Last Leg on Friday with Harley Davidson and Police Escort into Gabs.
ReplyDelete