Once again, Water Authority — Cayman is lending its support to the Lions Club of Grand Cayman by sponsoring the 5th Annual Delano Hislop Memorial Journey For Life in the amount of CI$2,500. The 15 mile walk/run, which aims to raise awareness about prostate and colon cancer, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 11 September, 2016.

PACCE Committee Chairperson Carmin Godfrey explained that dispelling the myths surrounding prostate and colon cancer is especially important in Caribbean countries.

“Raising awareness about prostate and colon cancer is important in the Cayman Islands because statistics show prostate cancer is higher in men of colour and is rampant in the Caribbean,” she said. “As a club, we saw the need to bring more awareness and save lives in the process.”

Water Authority Director Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said that the Authority Board was proud to be a continued sponsor of the annual event.

“We all know someone — in our families, in our community – whose life has been touched by cancer. Indeed, many of us have been personally affected by one form of this deadly disease or another,” she said. “It is important to the Authority, therefore, that we make a positive impact on the fight against cancer in the Cayman Islands.”

Ms. Godfrey said that the event has grown from strength to strength over the past five years.

“We have seen the awareness level grow from year to year, and the myths that have prevented many men from getting checked are becoming less,” she said.

The walk/run was named in honour of Lions Past President Delano Hislop, who lost his battle to colon cancer in 2011.

Ever since, the Lions Club has worked to decrease the number of lives lost to prostate, colon and testicular cancer by spreading awareness and encouraging early testing.

The proceeds from this year’s PACCE will benefit both the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Cayman Islands HospiceCare.

Those interested in participating in the event can register at: www.lionsgcmpacce.com

For more information on the Water Authority, please visit www.waterauthority.ky.