Breast cancer survivors to share their stories at Melange gala

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15: A gala to raise money for breast cancer awareness will be held this weekend.

The event, Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence is being organised by the Melange charity and will be on Saturday night from 7 to 10pm at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

Patrons are being encouraged to join the charity for a wonderful evening of personal stories, educational speakers, entertainment, food, drinks, a silent auction, raffles and more.

Renee Carter, president of Melange, said: “It originally started with an associate approaching me to host a ‘girl's night out’ which has spawned into Mélange’s 5th year hosting a celebratory fund-raiser on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness, benefiting Bermuda Cancer and Health Center. 

“However, now as a registered charity, we've defined our mission to donate funds to breast cancer patients who are in need of assistance to purchase their prescriptions/medication.

“As a breast cancer patient and being insured with a medical plan that doesn't cover my prescriptions, I was faced with the dreaded decisions- which do I choose as my priority, the roof over my head, food on the table or my medication.

“Somehow, I manage to do them all, and not with fanfare I may add.

“But it's an anxiety that I battle with every month when it's time to get my treatment.”

This year, the goal is to raise $50,000.

“And we do this by soliciting sponsors, for both monetary and in-kind donations, sometimes we're get declined but then the flood gates open, and, they say yes.”

Carter said the charity hosts “great parties” and this will be no different with the location, decorations and fabulous food. 

“Add Ed Christopher, a master of ceremonies with an exuberant personality to keep the night flowing, the talent of Mitchell ‘Live Wires’ Trott, pianist/vocalist John Seymour, singer LaTosha Codrington and ‘Truly Divine’, who is Rennika Trott, Nicole Morgan and Dawnika Ebbin.

“Then we add the premise as to why Melange is hosting the event.”

In additional to the entertainment, there will be personal stories from breast cancer survivors followed by specialists in the field of oncology.

Tickets for the event are $40 and can only be bought at the door.

They include a light buffet and one drink.

There is a cash bar and a silent auction with various kinds of art and hotel packages.