Lions, JN Money Partner to Expand Access to Breast Cancer Awareness, Screening in Cayman

An ongoing partnership between JN Money Services Cayman and the George Town-based Lions Club of Tropical Gardens (LCTG) has expanded breast cancer awareness and access to mammogram screenings across the Cayman Islands, enabling hundreds of women and men to afford vital tests and supporting early detection efforts to save lives.

With funding and logistical support from JN Money, the LCTG has been able to carry out a wide range of Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities across the islands each October. These initiatives, which span all six districts - including Little Cayman and Cayman Brac- comprise district awareness meetings and clinics, walk/run events and distribution of mammogram vouchers to those in need. This past October, nearly 400 vouchers to receive mammograms courtesy of LCTG and its partners were distributed at various events, including a church service where the month’s campaign was also launched. While just over 600 people attended the district awareness meetings, there was a record number of participants in the Brenda Tibbetts-Lund Memorial 5K/10K Walk/Run, another fundraiser to support mammogram screenings.

“This collaboration has been transformative,” said Liz Smith, breast cancer survivor and co- deputy chair of the LCTG’s breast cancer awareness and general health committee.

Explaining how the organisation has been able to use donated funds from JN Money to purchase the vouchers at discounted rates from labs and hospitals and then offer them at no cost to individuals, she said: “This initiative has helped so many people in our community. Some whose health insurance doesn’t cover mammograms, as well as those who have no health insurance and rely on these vouchers to access the tests. Equally important is the awareness component which over time has contributed to saving lives.”

Breast cancer remains a major health challenge for women across the Caribbean and the World. Through initiatives like the LCTG’s breast cancer awareness campaign in Cayman, Ms Smith said the country has seen late-stage breast cancer diagnoses drop from as high as 70 per cent two decades ago to roughly 20 per cent currently.

“That has said to us that what we’ve been doing over the years is right because more people are coming out for the meetings to get that education and their vouchers in order to have their mammograms. Through organisations like JN Money who give a generous contribution, we are able to pass the support on to the members in the community at no cost to them,” she said.

“The [mammogram] service is available, but the cost can be prohibitive for some people. Through LCTG’s campaign we are able to remove that concern from somebody who needs to have that mammogram screening and, in so doing, has allowed us to provide a better quality of life to those who have received this diagnosis. That is, because cases are identified at an earlier stage, the really aggressive treatment plan does not become as necessary. And it doesn’t end with getting the voucher or making the appointment, but getting that mammogram done.” she added.

Sanya Wallace, interim country manager for JN Money (Cayman) and assistant general manager for the JNMS Group, said the partnership with the Lions Club reflects the company’s long history of supporting breast cancer awareness in the region, ongoing commitment to community outreach and mission of providing meaningful assistance to those in need.

Through initiatives such as the JN Group’s annual breast cancer “Power of Pink” campaign, JN Money has consistently provided aid to support early detection, timely treatment and education to empower women to take proactive steps for their health. This includes teaming up with its sister companies, JN Bank and JN Life Insurance, on World Mammography Day each year, to offer free mammogram screenings in partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach to Recovery. Over the years, the company has also raised more than JM $5 million for these vital organisations to support the cause.

“Our goal has always been to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Ms Wallace. “We have a longstanding relationship with the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and by continuing to work with the organisation, in whatever way we can, we are ensuring that more women and men have access to preventive healthcare and the knowledge needed to protect themselves.”

Beyond October’s initiatives, the LCTG remains accessible throughout the year to individuals seeking support for the disease. This includes responding whenever someone reaches out or providing assistance, where possible, to cover transportation, meals and other essential needs for those travelling overseas for care.