There are no billboards plastered across the island declaring this. No midday chimes to announce our presence, but we hope that with every woman we touch by enabling her to receive a life-saving mammogram, the truth is known and felt: that we love Montserrat.
The population of the island is split almost evenly between women and men. The women in Montserrat hold positions across the spectrum of work; they are just as likely to be laborers as men or hold the highest offices in the land. They are also as likely to be the head of their household.
One life lost to breast cancer is too many. We can significantly reduce this through early detection of lumps and tumors. Not only do we want women to get mammograms early so that follow-up treatments can be delivered, but we also want to see our women prioritize their health.
With 50% of our women as heads of households, it means there are children, elderly parents, partners, and others who depend on them for care and safety. We don’t need data to show that women often prioritize the health of others over their own.
Our goal at the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat is to promote self-love and care just as much, if not more, than we promote breast cancer awareness in Montserrat.