The Movember Committee has donated US$100,000 towards the new Chemotherapy Unit at the Cayman Islands George Town Hospital.

The donation is the biggest, single gift so far towards the new ‘state-of-the-art’ Chemotherapy Unit, being provided by the Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS). The unit officially opened last week and more than doubles the current capacity for patients to receive treatment locally, allowing them to recuperate close to their family and homes.

“We wanted to show our commitment to the Cancer Society and also have something tangible to show for the fundraising efforts made by our ‘Mo Bros’ over the last few years.” Tim Rossiter, chairman of the Movember committee explained, “The arrival of a Chemo Unit in the Cayman Islands is a significant addition to the care and treatment of cancer patients. At Movember, our focus has always been to support those with cancer here in Cayman and this seemed like an ideal opportunity to help this incredible achievement.”

The funds donated represent a significant portion of the Movember fundraising activity in Cayman over the last few years.

“It is somewhat ironic that the purpose of Movember is to get men talking about their health, but the use of the funds is generally confidential,” Rossiter added.

“One side effect is that Movember participants don’t get to see the tangible use of their efforts, but this donation to the Chemo Unit changes that. Not only is it a visible landmark of their efforts, it is a vastly improved life style for those suffering and their families. The beneficiaries can literally experience their efforts and the efforts of others over the last ten years, and that makes it all worthwhile,” he said. Operations Manager at the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, Jenifer Weber said, “Ten years ago, I doubt anyone would have been able to foresee that men growing their facial hair could end up making such a big impact on cancer care in our community. The ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Sistahs’ are remarkable people, who are literally changing the face of cancer in Cayman. Everything they do helps us to help others.”

The donation by the Movember Committee comes in the midst of the 2014 Movember activities in Cayman and as in prior years there has been a whole host of events scheduled to encourage and support the men growing moustaches to raise money to beat male cancers. This year’s line-up started with a Sunset Walk along Seven Mile Beach. There is the MO’pen Golf Championship with lots of special prizes and the Gala Awards Night at the Waterfront Café, where the now legendary Movember Awards Ceremony will be held.

“We started Movember with the simple idea of raising awareness of male cancer here in the Cayman Islands, given many men ignore their own health, don’t like to discuss it with family and friends and often avoid regular checks,” Rossiter stated. “We are grateful to the Cayman community for embracing Movember, in particular partners like the Lions club and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. The knowledgeable staff of CICS help those who fall between the administrative cracks where Government and insurance companies cannot provide the support they need.

“The good news is we are winning the awareness fight. We have had a five-fold increase in the number of cancer patients CICS are supporting over the last five years. These are people who have no-one else and every dollar counts towards their care and treatment, helping both them and their families at such a difficult time. So please continue to support Movember Cayman, and continue to support the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. Every dollar raised in Cayman is a dollar needed in Cayman – and stays in Cayman.”

What is MOvember?

MOvember (the month formerly known as November) is an annual charity event held during November with the aim of creating awareness and raising money for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Guys in the Cayman Islands pay a registration fee, which gets them a specially designed (and much sought after) MO T-shirt, and the opportunity to compete for the coveted prize of CAY-MAN of MOVEMBER. On the 1st of Movember, contestants start clean-shaven, and have the month to grow their MO. To raise money for the cause they approach family, friends and co-workers who pledge to sponsor them some cash for growing their ‘tache. MO Sistas can also show their support by buying a T-shirt – we have special ladies sizes too (aren’t we caring!)

At the end of the month we have the MOsquerade ball, where contestants come dressed up to compliment their MO and compete to win prizes in different categories. After a ‘tash-tastic month of growing its great to celebrate with our fellow MO Bros and friends. MO Bros bring all the money they have raised for the month, for collection and counting on the night.

MOVEMBER MO’SQERADE BALL

Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 7:00pm

Hosted by Movember Cayman Islands

For more information on this year’s Movember activities, check out www.movember.ky or the Movember Cayman Islands Facebook page.

IMAGE: Miss Cayman Islands helping out! — with Kamala Murugesu.