Governor Arnold I. Palacios has proclaimed April 29 – May 5, 2024 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week in the Commonwealth. MMAC aims to raise money for the Commonwealth Cancer Association’s mission of advocating for a cancer-free CNMI through early detection, public education, and awareness on cancer prevention and screening, and providing hope and support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families through community partnerships and programs. Community members interested in helping to celebrate survivorship and the cancer association can email the MMAC Steering Committee at recruitment.mmac@gmail.com/. (See story on p)
(MMAC) — As part of the continuing efforts to promote cancer awareness and increase support for cancer survivors and their caretakers in the CNMI, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has proclaimed April 29-May 5, 2024 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week in the Commonwealth.
“I truly appreciate the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Marianas March Against Cancer committees for always working hard to put this amazing event together,” Palacios said. “Cancer has affected many people in the Marianas, including my own family.”
The Marianas March Against Cancer, which took a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, is set for May 3, 2024 at the CPA Airport Field from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“I urge every member of our community to not only show solidarity but to actively engage in honoring the memory of those we have lost to cancer and to offer unwavering support to those currently battling it,” Palacios said. “Let us stand shoulder to shoulder, march forward, and unite with all those facing the challenges of cancer today.”
Jenypy Sambile, the MMAC Steering Committee chairperson, said the event is more than just a march, “it’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that bind us together.”
“Let us remember the strength and resilience of those who have faced cancer head-on,” Sambile said. “We stand in solidarity with our cancer survivors, whose courage and determination inspire us all. Each step we take is a tribute to their unwavering spirit and their fierce battle against this relentless disease. We march not only to honor their journey but also to amplify their voices, ensuring they are heard and celebrated.”
“Let us honor their journey with compassion, respect, and unwavering support. And let us march together, hand in hand, knowing that together, we are stronger than cancer,” Sambile added.
MMAC aims to raise money for the Commonwealth Cancer Association’s mission of advocating for a cancer-free CNMI through early detection, public education, and awareness on cancer prevention and screening, and providing hope and support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families through community partnerships and programs.
Lynn Tenorio, the interim executive director of CCA, said that the governor’s proclamation serves as a beacon of hope and determination.
“Cancer touches us all,” Tenorio said. “Whether through personal experience, family, or friends. It is the second leading cause of death in the CNMI and across the United States. The statistics are sobering, but today is more than just about the numbers. It’s about the faces and stories behind those numbers, the survivors who inspire us, the caregivers who support them, and the loved ones whose memories drive us to continue the fight.”
According to the CNMI Cancer Registry, the top five diagnosed cancers are breast cancer, tobacco-related oral cavity and pharynx cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, colorectal cancer, and uterus cancer. CCA also reported a 48% increase in oral cancer survivors registered between 2019 and 2023.
Community members interested in helping to celebrate survivorship and the cancer association can email the MMAC Steering Committee at teammmac.2024@gmail.com/.
