By Admin. Updated 1:13 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
In 2013 after experiencing the pain of losing her mother to cancer, Vincentian psychologist and lecturer – Dr. Jozelle Miller decided to dedicate part of her life to providing support to people impacted by the disease.
On August 23, 2014, the Scorch Cancer Support Foundation, a non-profit community-based voluntary organization, was born after Dr. Miller realized at that time that there was a significant need to have psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial support for patients and their families as they navigated a diagnosis of Cancer.
Ten years later, the organisation has raised $100,000 and provided direct support to 75 individuals.
In a press release to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the SCORCH Foundation which stands for Surviving Strong, Courageous, Optimistic, Resilient, Confident, and Hopeful said it, caters to patients as well as family members and provides a safe place where those affected by cancer can receive support; reduce isolation; receive empathy; develop friendships, learn how other persons are coping with their diagnosis; share thoughts and information about the different cancers and provide an overall safe environment to listen to each other in a non-judgmental and caring way.
The Foundation said it has been able to assist patients in accessing medical assistance overseas, buy medication her in SVG, pay for medical test etc. The monies contributed to patients amount to over $100K, allowing around 75 persons to be assisted.
The foundation said the monies it disbursed were raised from the foundation’s fundraising activities but more so from contributions from other corporate entities and groups.
The current executive of the foundation includes Dr. Jozelle Miller as president, Kathleen Nanton as vice president, Telecia Bynoe as Secretary, Gleaver Williams as treasurer, and Millicent Dasilva as public relations officer.
Though the organisation has made strides in line with its vision and mission, it said membership remains a challenge.
“Over the ten years, the group has seen the passing of many of the original members and to date, membership has been a challenge. It is understood that even the thought of being a part of a support group can be emotionally triggering to some patients and family members, as it is a reminder of the possible fate of their loved ones,” the organisation stated in the press release.
“Dr. Miller who is presently the President of the Foundation, as well as the existing committee members have stressed the importance of support none the less and has encourage persons to join the group,” the organisation added.
The organisation said it is moving forward with its mandate to support people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines who have been impacted by cancer.
“Moving forward, the plan is to revamp the function of the Foundation; separating the support group, allowing the support group to focus solely on that supportive aspect,” the organisation said.
“The goal of the Foundation going forward will be to forge regional and international networks to benefit patients who need more assistance than is available in SVG; To conduct research that will be relevant to the fight against cancer in SVG; To raise awareness about cancer and raise more funds to sustain patients in years to come,” the organisation added.
“We are thankful to all the major contributors over the years and we look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with Corporate SVG. Cancer affects us all and it is important that we have all hands on deck as we respond to the upsurge of cases in
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