Despite the fact that cancer is one of the two leading causes of death of men and women in the CNMI each year and the second leading cause of death in the U.S., the Department of Public Health and the Commonwealth Cancer Association and other stake holders believe that “cancer can be beaten.”
The MMAC 2009 Committee said it is continuing its effort to educate the local community about cancer and the need for research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments and prevention programs.
“We are urging the whole community to join the fight against the deadly disease by participating in the MMAC,” CCA president Alex Sablan said.
“It’s all about the community coming together to make a difference,” he said.
Joining this year’s MMAC will be about 150 employees and family members of the Pacific Islands Club.
Team captain and training manager Evan Hunsberger said PIC has been actively participating and supporting the MMAC for the past years.
“We have employees in our establishment who are cancer survivors,” Hunsberger said.
Reports from the American Cancer Society showed that nearly half of all men and a little over one third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime.
But the risk of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle — quitting smoking, eating a better diet and increasing physical activities for example.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, as acting governor, yesterday signed a proclamation at the Bank of Guam declaring May 18-23 as MMAC Week.
“I encourage all members of the community to celebrate the week by honoring the survivors of cancer, commemorating those who have passed away from cancer and learning as much as possible about preventing this deadly disease,” Inos said.
The proclamation signing was attended by members of the 2009 MMAC Committee, the Commonwealth Cancer Association board members, cancer survivors, the 2009 MMAC team captains and participants, representatives of title and majors sponsors and other members of the community who support the fight against cancer.
The title sponsors for the MMAC are Bank of Guam, IT&E, Delta/Northwest Airlines, Take-Care/FHP, Sorensen Media Group, DFS and Joeten Charitable Foundation.
The major sponsors are Bank of Saipan, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Younis Art Studio/Marianas Variety., Docomo Pacific, Shell Marianas, Bank of Hawaii, Angil Design, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Images Saipan Ltd., and DFS Durables Club of Saipan.
