Breast cancer survivor seeks to help the less fortunate

In 2016, Cassandra Bennett got another chance at living after beating breast cancer.

Through her Bring Back The Love Buff Bay Valley Foundation, the 50-year-old has been using her experience to assist both women battling breast cancer and persons in need. On Tuesday, the 50-year-old donated $153,000 worth of items to the Port Antonio Infirmary in Portland.

“We gave a number of items, including diapers, walkers, shower chairs, oxygen tanks, among other things. I feel really blessed to have been able to give back to those who are in need. I am also really grateful to the overseas teams who came on board to make this happen,” Bennett said.

The Bring Back the Love Buff Bay Valley Foundation was officially launched in June, but Bennett said she is no stranger to philanthropy as she has been providing assistance to various persons, especially the elderly, for years.

“I saw the political councillor for the area, Rohan Vassell, helping shut-ins with care packages and children with back to school [items] for the Buff Bay Valley. I was interested in what he was doing and reached out to him, and that’s when I started helping as well. After serious consideration and COVID-19, we revisited the initiative and moved forward to launch a non-profit organisation,” she said.

“We are looking to make a difference in the various districts and communities that make up the Buff Bay Valley. We also extend help, if possible, to persons outside our ‘jurisdiction’ who are in dire need. At the moment we are a young organisation looking to grow in stature gradually,” she added.

The Portland-born Bennett, now a nursing assistant, migrated to the United States of America in 2013. In 2016, doctors discovered a lump in one of her breasts and requested a biopsy. The results confirmed her worst fears. In November of that year, she did a mastectomy and underwent over four months of rigorous chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

“I have gotten a new lease on life and I am making the best of it by helping those who need it. Breast cancer is a terrible disease and it can break you down not only physically but mentally as well. I am hoping to use my experience to help other women who suffered or are suffering a similar fate. If I can’t help financially, then I will offer a word of encouragement,” she said.