By Tanya Lightbourne
If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, The Olive Branch of Hope (TOBOH) Barbados is here to help.
The non-profit organization, launched on January 7, 2022, in Barbados, provides help and information to newly diagnosed individuals and their families who are seeking assistance and support during what can be a challenging time.
TOBOH Barbados is an arm of TOBOH Canada that was launched in 2001 and founded by breast cancer survivors Barbadian Leila Nicholls-Springer and Winsome Johnson. In Barbados, Kim Ramsay-Moore and Julian Belgrave are at the helm as Co-Chairs, working alongside seven Trustees and TOBOH Ambassadors.
The TOBOH helps educate, advocate, support and empower (E.A.S.E) the lives of those affected by breast cancer, Ramsay-Moore shared with Diabetes Today. The organization fosters an environment where individuals can draw strength from one another, overcome fear and anxiety surrounding their cancer diagnosis, and ultimately live as active members of the community.
“Our vision is, in keeping with The Olive Branch of Hope in Toronto, to be the leading resource center for women of African Ancestry diagnosed and living with breast cancer. We are creating a safe place where women of diverse cultures can share their breast cancer experiences, be informed, empowered, inspired, and renew their hope for a better future for themselves and future generations.”
TOBOH Barbados’ outreach thus far has focused on educational programs tailored to meet the needs of cancer patients, giving them a safe space to freely express themselves and connect with others who can relate to their experiences. One such program occurred on February 17 at The Alexandra School in Speightstown. Through the event, TOBOH provided women with quality information on breast cancer and related health issues and distributed breast prostheses, lymphedema sleeves, and compression socks free of cost. Over 100 people attended and gained valuable insight from medical professionals and cancer survivors who shared their stories.
The medical panel included Surgeon and Breast Cancer Specialist Dr Ian Lewis, who spoke on Demystifying Breast Cancer; Plastic Surgeon Dr Judy Ward, who explained reconstruction after breasts have been removed; and Consultant Radiologist Dr Latha Kandamaran, who spoke on breast screening. Also speaking were Hematologist/Oncologist Dr Cheryl Alexis and Consultant Oncologist/Radiation Oncologist Dr Suzanne Connell. Ramsay-Moore credited Dame Selma Jackman, one of the first Caribbean-born female surgeons, with helping to bring the doctors together and providing valuable advice to the association.
“The feedback was great so we are thinking about how we can do other similar sessions, in addition to smaller ones. We want to provide culturally diverse programs, information, and healing techniques to help families cope after diagnosis and throughout treatment. So, education is our big focus because we want people to get screened – mammograms, ultrasounds, and self-breast exams. And we know that men get breast cancer, so we want to include them in some of our sessions”.
As mentioned, TOBOH focuses solely on breast cancer, and of particular interest is providing support for persons diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). As such, they have been advocating for more screening to allow for early detection, as well as testing for younger women. Ramsay-Moore noted that recent studies indicate that breast cancer may be showing up at earlier ages in women, and TNBC seems to be a little more difficult to treat with mainstream drugs.
The TOBOH Barbados co-chair added that the organization is honored to have Dr Juliet Daniel, a Barbadian-born Professor and Cancer Biologist in the Department of Biology at McMaster University, on board. Dr. Daniel’s team is currently focused on TNBCs, which are most prevalent in young women of African and Hispanic ancestry. Next month, Dr. Daniel is slated to be in Barbados to take part in a session where she will reveal the findings of her research.
Importance of Breast Cancer Support Groups
Research from the United States’ National Breast Cancer Foundation shows that taking part in support groups, where you both give and receive help, is an effective way to reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis. Ramsay-Moore told Diabetes Today that while many women feel alone or isolated after a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, they do not have to be alone.
“Shared experiences can increase your knowledge as it relates to treatment; if you attend different doctors, you can compare “notes”. You may learn from someone else how to eat better, learn about another person’s research, and pretty much come together and know that you are not the only person going through it. So, if you’re feeling depressed or sad, talking to someone can help alleviate that.”
Focus on the North of Barbados
TOBOH Canada’s co-founder, Nicholls-Springer, hails from St. Peter and immigrated to Canada in the 1970s. Ramsay-Moore said the co-founder’s vision is for TOBOH’s services to be based in the north to provide more access to services that are mostly available in the south and central communities.
“She really wanted to tap into those people living on the northern side of the island because sometimes they may not be mobile enough, or they don’t have transportation, and they can’t get to support groups in other places with the frequency that they would want. So, she is trying to bring information, education, and assistance to the northern parishes.”
New Cancer Support Facility
Looking to the future, TOBOH Barbados has set its sights on establishing a cancer support facility in St. Peter. Ramsay-Moore said that a friend of TOBOH who lost his wife to breast cancer gifted the organization two acres of land to build that facility. The state-of-the-art center, she said, will bring together a range of vital cancer information and support services under one roof.
In addition to providing a serene environment, the center will expand its educational and support groups, introducing confidence and well-being workshops, conference rooms, a laboratory for breast and cervical screening, a tea shop, and a beauty shop where ladies can purchase wigs and headscarves.
“We have huge plans for The Olive Branch of Hope. We want women to go to the center and participate in workshops, educational seminars and support meetings. We also want to have recreational fun, discussions on health and nutrition, and, of course, medical professionals will always be on hand. We want the space to also be like a retreat – if you’re having treatment and you want to visit afterwards – you are always welcome to come relax in the garden to get away from the hustle and bustle.”
The response to their plans has been positive, with several people asking how they can contribute to making the center a reality. Ramsay-Moore expressed gratitude for any support they can get and is therefore encouraging more individuals to lend a hand to their cause.
