For the ninth consecutive year, the St Andrew’s Development Organisation (SADO) is gearing up to host its annual breast and prostate cancer awareness campaign, spanning the months of September and October. What began as a small community outreach initiative in 2015 has evolved into far more than a simple awareness drive: it has grown into a trusted beacon of hope and a tight-knit support community for anyone whose life has been touched by these two common cancers.
SADO’s work already extends to supporting the St Andrew Breast Cancer Group, which connects survivors across the St Andrew and St Patrick parishes. Building on that successful model, the organisation has announced plans to launch a parallel support group for men living with prostate cancer, filling a critical gap in local community care.
Royan Charles, President of SADO, emphasized that the campaign goes far beyond symbolic gestures. “Cancer awareness is not only about wearing a ribbon; it is about taking action, encouraging loved ones to get checked, and ensuring that no one in our community feels alone,” Charles explained. “By dedicating September and October to prostate and breast cancer awareness, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and practical steps toward healthier lives.”
This year’s campaign carries the theme *Together We Stand as One Community, United in Hope*, and is held in loving memory of Crystal Calliste, a community advocate lost to cancer who is being honored as one of the movement’s fallen heroes. A full slate of engaging, community-focused events has been planned to bring residents together. The action kicks off on September 30 with a virtual Zoom discussion, *Let’s Talk Prostate Cancer*, featuring prostate cancer survivor Simon Samuel at 7 pm. On October 8, a Heroes Church Service will be held to honor those impacted by the disease, followed by a Heroes Quilting and Vigil on October 15, and a Heroes Tea Party on October 26. The month of activities will conclude on October 31 with two major events: the SADO Health Fair at Progress Park starting at 10 am, and the SADO and Partners Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk, which begins at 3 pm, running from Soubise to Progress Park.
SADO is extending an open invitation to all community members, local schools, faith groups, businesses, healthcare providers, and volunteers to join the campaign effort. The goal is to amplify key messages around the critical importance of early detection and wrap a compassionate support network around everyone affected by breast and prostate cancer in the region.