St. Maarten – Pink Phit and Phabulous Walkathon a success

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
Over 350 participated in this year’s Pink PHIT Phabulous walkathon that started at Divico and ended at the Sonesta Great bay Parking lot. Participants included groups from the French side, schools, swim teams, walk enthusiasts, cross fit athletes, moms, dads and children of all ages were present at 5.00am to partake in the PPP walkathon. The Red Cross volunteers accompanied participants on foot and followed participants from their vehicle ensuring their safety along the route.
At the start of the walk participants received a pink t-shirt, a pink backpack, a hand towel and sunblock. Along the route participants were provided with water, slices of orange, apples and sunblock. Upon arrival at Sonesta Great Bay Parking lot participants were greeted by the St. Maarten Diabetes Foundation, which offered free cholesterol checks, music, refreshments, sweetbreads, apples, water and other goodies.
The event was deemed to be successful; while the sponsors- Divico, Manrique Capriles, CC1 and Renttasound were thanked by foundation presidents Mercedes Wyatt and Shelly Alphonso for their contribution to the event.
The Elekralyets and Positive Foundation were happy to have so many people who participated in the annual PPP walkathon which is a great way to enhance Breast cancer awareness throughout the island.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.