The Annual Nationwide Pink Oct – Mov ’21 campaign is on with a bang!

The campaign was launched today by Chairperson of The Marigold Foundation, Michelle Muscat under the Patronage of First Lady, Mrs Miriam Vella.

This year Pink October will focus not only on breast cancer but on other common female cancers – mainly ovarian and cervical cancer that on our islands remain mainly a taboo. The campaign urges women to be open with such issues, learn how to prevent getting sick, how to check themselves, do the necessary screenings and tests and face the fear that most times throws them into inertia.

Parallel to this, the Pink Oct-Mov ’21 Campaign will also be raising awareness on men’s health mainly about prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  Following a nationwide survey, this year’s campaign is focusing on educating men not just on the need to check themselves but also as to how to do it properly.

The general public is urged to look out for the messages, billboards, tv ads and online posts to learn more on how to be brave, do the next step and check their body regularly. In a drive to raise further awareness, this year the public is being engaged directly featuring real personalities that will help pass on the campaign’s message…Who are they, Are they afraid, Why did they feel the need to help out.. catch this news in the weeks to come.

The event was addressed by Malta’s top clinicians and surgeons including Dr Nick Refalo, Clinical Chair of SAMOC, Prof Ray Galea, gynecologist, Mr John Agius, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Dr Gerald Busuttil, Specialist in Urology and Dr Krystel von Brockdorf, consultant oncologist.  Talking in one voice, they all stressed the importance of this campaign in raising awareness and educating the public and the importance of health practitioners to follow up on other illnesses and not just on COVID.  Mr Chris Barbara, Chair of the Pathology Department emphasized the importance of the Biomedical Scientists while Mr Robert Xuereb from The Marigold Foundation explained the importance of the Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold Monitoring System that will be bought if enough funds are raised.

The Annual Nationwide Pink Oct – Mov ’21 campaign is spearheaded and coordinated by The Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community.  As per previous years, donations collected will go into a national fund to be distributed amongst breast care and cancer NGOs for research and education.  If the public is generous, funds will go towards the purchase the Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold Monitoring System to be used at the Sir Mamo Oncology Centre which will help to significantly lower the radiation dose received by the heart in breast cancer and lymphoma patients.

If you would like to support Pink Oct – Mov ’21 please visit the Pink Oct – Mov Face book page or Instagram to learn more on our events this month or donate on the numbers below.

DONATIONS

SMS Donations            50619238 for €11.65

CALL Donations              51702052 €15 51802053 €25

MOBILE PAY                    number 99912373 for amounts up to €500

CALENDAR OF OFFICIAL EVENTS

• 1st – 17th October – Shade It Pink – Nationwide Light It Pink by the Local Council Regions.  Offices, homes and shops and urged to participate.
• 9th October at 10.30am – The Down Syndrome Association and The Brain Foundation Go Pink
• 14th October – The Esplora Pink Oct – Mov ’21 Online Forum
• 4th – 10th October – Physical Activity Week – solo or in small groups Walk, Run, Swim to be posted on FB with donations either going towards Race for Cure (International Fund) or donations towards the Pink Oct-Nov’ 21 Fund.
• 30th October – The Pink Oct-Mov’21 Life Star Night
• 21st November – 4×4 Movember Ride
• Information talks at schools, offices and entities to be scheduled with The Marigold Foundation and according to Covid Guidelines.