History & Objectives

Last Updated on Friday, 25 December 2009 18:19 Wednesday, 23 December 2009 07:24

HISTORY  AND OBJECTIVES OF

THE CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS

The Cancer Society of The Bahamas is a registered, non-profit organization and was established in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 1976.

The founder, Mrs. Susan Roberts, formed a group of concerned friends and acquaintances who became the first directors of the Society. With the energy and dedication of these volunteers, funds were raised to enable literature, supplies and equipment to be amassed so that consciousness-raising activities could be developed to educate the community on the importance of early detection, healthy life styles, cutting out smoking and other related topics.

The objectives are:

·          To provide emotional, psychological and moral support to patients and their families

·          To serve as patient advocates ensuring the availability of appropriate, quality service at an affordable cost

·          To prevent the onset of cancers by reducing individual risks through our educational and awareness activities

·          In the event we can't prevent it, by making it possible to have it diagnosed at its earliest stage, so as to enhance patient survivability

·          To raise fund to support these programs

The Cancer Society is composed of an eleven member board of Directors and an Operations Committee comprised of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, Committees for membership, fundraising, hospice, visitation, education, pap smear, support group, publicity building, and Family Island and general membership which is open to the public.

Branch offices, each with their own Executive Committee, are located in Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera (established in 1985), Freeport, Grand Bahama (established in 1986) and Marsh Harbour, Abaco (established in 1990).

Cancer Society members function solely on a volunteer basis in the areas of eduction, health care, counselling and fundraising.

In May, 1991, the Cancer Society officially opened its Central Headquarters and Resource Centre on East Terrace, Centreville.