The Cancer Society of The Bahamas recently broke ground for Phase One of its Cancer Caring Centre at the Headquarters site in East Terrace, Centreville. This project, which began in 1995 as a dream of Founding Member, Mrs. Susan Roberts, came a giant step closer to realization as the Society members, medical community, well-wishers and donors gathered at the site for the brief ceremony.
The building, which is designed by the award winning firm of Jackson Burnside Ltd. together with the dedicated team of building professional firms - Contractor: Bro-kell Construction and Building Supplies Limited, Structural Engineer: George V. Cox & Associates, Quality Surveyor: Construction Cost Engineering (Bahamas) Limited, Mechanical Engineers: Mechanical Design & Service Ltd. and Electrical Engineers: Engineering Solutions, will act as a "home away from home" for cancer patients undergoing treatment in Nassau - a place of comfort, security and peace where emotional support is available, pain management is understood and medical attention can be provided in a setting of beauty, tranquility and personal freedom.
It is expected that Phase One of the project which will encompass the construction of 10 rooms, will be completed by the end of the year and Phase Two, which will include the extension of the facility onto the existing structure, will be undertaken in the near future.
"This is a very proud moment for the Cancer Society", stated Society President, Judy Carter. " There is not one family in this country who has not been touched by this disease and this Centre is so necessary, particularly for Family Island patients who have to travel to Nassau for cancer treatment and require a place to stay that is comforting, comfortable and affordable. We dedicated our Headquarters Building in 1991 - this groundbreaking is yet another milestone in our development."
"This project has been eight years in the making", continued Susan Roberts, Society Treasurer. "At an estimated cost of $4 million, we began fundraising in 1998 and are close to the midway mark. We are also grateful for the support of caring citizens in this community without which none of this would be possible. We felt that the public, who over these 27 years of the Society's existence, have always been there for us. Now that ground has been broken the public will see tangible evidence of the progress being made and we appeal to them to continue their support with donations of building materials, fittings and furnishing."
Persons wishing to receive more information about the Centre or to give a donation towards it are asked to contact the Society on 323-4482 or to complete the contribution form.
