$20-million goal set for Pink Run 2024

At just 31 years old, Najah Peterkin was hit with a shocking breast cancer diagnosis - a full nine years before she was due for her first mammogram.

"I was completely surprised, as I was the youngest person I knew at the time to have been diagnosed," said Peterkin, a breast cancer survivor and director of Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R). "I had an aggressive form of cancer which required major surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation."

The Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women with average risk for breast cancer begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among Jamaican women. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, while breast cancer in men is rare, men do carry a higher breast cancer mortality rate than women, primarily because men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, and are overall less aware of breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.

In a massive effort to raise $20 million, JR2R and the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) are pulling out all the stops for their annual Pink Run, dubbed Miles of Hope. Set for October 27, proceeds from the event will fund lifesaving treatments and support for both men and women battling breast cancer, as well as their families.

This year's Pink Run will take the form of a 5k Run/Walk at Emancipation Park in St Andrew. The organisers are aiming for 15,000 participants.

Last year's JR2R ICWI Pink Run raised $11.5 million, which helped cover costs for surgeries, biopsies, medication, scans, mammograms, prostheses, and more.

"Mothers are the backbone of Jamaica," she said passionately, driving home the importance of early detection. "Without them, families crumble. The Pink Run is our lifeline for women who can't afford the treatments they desperately need."

Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R said the association assists with up to $100,000 per individual. Last year, JR2R disbursed nearly $2.3 million to 104 women in need of surgeries, treatments, and screenings.

"Many times, women have to choose between feeding their families or accessing much needed medication, procedures or just simple screening after discovering the lump. Women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and up, show up to hospitals and clinics with late or end stage breast cancer, which is untenable," Samuels said.

Meanwhile, Peterkin, who spoke at the Pink Run launch held at Toyota Jamaica on Wednesday, shared that, even 11 years after her diagnosis, she still battles side effects from the disease. She stressed the need for women to get their breast exams done.

"I encourage everyone to get familiar with their bodies and do routine self-breast examinations. With amazing family, friends, doctors and prayer warriors, we got through some trying times. I want to declare that the journey is not easy, having the right support, mindset and sharing with people who may have undergone similar struggles is so important to get through the challenging times. JR2R has already done a lot in Jamaica, and we have so much more to do, and I look forward to being a part of increasing the awareness, early detection and supporting the needs of people affected by this disease," she said.