In recognition of the recently concluded Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sygnus Credit Investments (SCI) reaffirmed its commitment by leading the company’s annual Fight Back initiative.

Sygnus donated $600,000 split equally between Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R).

This year’s contribution was complemented by an engagement where the Sygnus team participated in a meet and greet session with JCS and JR2R representatives to discuss ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for people affected by breast cancer.

During the session, JCS and JR2R provided insights into the current landscape of breast cancer awareness and prevention in Jamaica, while emphasizing the critical importance of partnerships like these in supporting their work.

Meanwhile, Sygnus has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting breast cancer through advocacy and financial contributions.

“At Sygnus, we are committed to spreading hope by providing tangible support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Through our partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery, we not only provide financial aid, but actively invest in the well-being of our community and stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

“This year, we are proud to donate $600,000 to support the cause. We believe that together we can help more people overcome, thrive and work towards a stronger and healthier future,” said Sygnus Investment Management Analyst Nicollette Bailey.

According to the JCS, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Jamaica. In 2022, 1,327 women were diagnosed with the disease, with a mortality rate of 35.2 per 100,000 women. The incidence rate increased to 71.1 per 100,000 women from 43.1 per 100,000 women.

Meanwhile, JR2R – a charity run by dedicated volunteers who support those diagnosed with breast cancer – pointed out that many women struggle to afford tests, medication and treatment.

JR2R noted that women in rural parishes including St Mary, St Thomas, Hanover, Portland and St Elizabeth often do not have access to screening facilities and must travel to Kingston, St James or the nearest parish for assistance.

The donation from Sygnus will help strengthen the JCS mammography screening program by funding mammograms for 50 women, while JR2R will use the money to support uninsured women or those with minimal or no income who need help covering the costs tests, scans, biopsies, drugs and treatment.

Michael Leslie, Acting Executive Director at JCS, highlighted the alarming increase in breast cancer cases in Jamaica.

“This increase reflects more women being diagnosed with breast cancer across the island. A mammogram, which allows for early detection, remains the gold standard for screening. I urge all women 40 and older to get their mammograms, and those with a strong family history of breast cancer to start screening even earlier,” said Leslie.

“Our partnership with Sygnus over the years has been invaluable. It has enabled many Jamaican women, who might otherwise have access, to receive critical breast cancer screenings. We sincerely thank the Sygnus team for their continued support and encourage other organizations to join forces with JCS to provide screening to more Jamaican women in need,” added Leslie.

During their visit to the JR2R facility, members of the Sygnus team gained an insight into the organization’s vital services, which include providing prosthetics, specialized bras and tailored swimwear for survivors. In addition, Sygnus provided two personal care gift baskets to JR2R participants as a gesture of appreciation.

“Many women diagnosed with breast cancer face the heartbreaking choice between feeding their families and paying for tests and treatments. That’s why your support is vital to our ability to continue helping these women.

“Cancer is a time-sensitive issue and as a charity, Jamaica Reach to Recovery does not receive ongoing financial support from the Government or Corporation of Jamaica. We rely on donations like those from Sygnus to stay sustainable,” said Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R.

She noted that outside of the annual Pink Run fundraiser in October, JR2R’s income is minimal, coming from the sale of prosthetics, bras, gym wear, swimwear, pins and occasional donations.

“The continued partnership with Sygnus means everything – it is critical to our sustainability and our ability to help these women,” added Samuels.