bmobile helps in the fight to smash Childhood Cancer

THE Just Because Foundation (JBF), which provides emotional and social support for children and their families with cancer, is to host its first virtual 5K walk, themed Smash Childhood Cancer.

A statement released by TSTT’s bmobile said it has partnered with the organisation to provide financial and technical assistance.

The event, which was launched on September 1 and will run until September 30, will see participants walk or run anywhere at their convenience, to encourage physical distancing. Their steps are tallied until they reach 5K.

The cost of entering is $90 and everyone who completes will receive a medal. Special prizes will also be offered in the categories: youngest participant (male and female), oldest participant (male and female), first female to complete the 5K, and first male to complete the 5K.

In recognition of its13th anniversary, the JBF will also award 13 participants a commemorative JBF Smash Cancer Bear.

The foundation is a non-profit, established by Noel and Chevaughn Joseph, who lost their son Jabez JB Joseph at the age of five to rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, after a two-year battle with the disease. Since then, the foundation has supported parents and families of children diagnosed with cancer. It also generates awareness of the forms of childhood cancer.

The foundation consults with stakeholders, including doctors, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and other non-medical family support workers to help families navigate the trauma of disease. They also provide transport to and from treatment centres, short-term housing, and meals for parents and caregivers who stay at hospital with the sick child during treatment.

Joseph said the foundation would usually host two fundraising events a year: the JBF Hope Concert, and the JBF Kiddi K in September. Due to the effects of the covid19 pandemic and restrictions, the virtual 5K will be its only event for the year.

bmobile has also helped by providing a Vigilance Security package to the JBF Home Away From Home, which provides short-term accommodation and other amenities for children with cancer and their families.

“We are extremely grateful for bmobile’s support toward our first ever Virtual 5K,” said Chevaughn Joseph, JBF founder and president. “I would also like to publicly thank bmobile for not just supporting us but for the speed with which they responded and for donating far beyond what we requested of them.”

The networking company has also donated hampers with food and other necessities to be distributed to some of the families.

September is Childhood Awareness Month, which brings attention to the impact of the disease on children and their families.

TSTT CEO Ronald Walcott said, “Childhood cancer awareness, early detection and healthcare support are critical if we are to improve the outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer…bmobile is proud to support initiatives such as this, which will help the children of our nation receive the vital healthcare and support they need.”

Walcott encouraged people to sign up and participate in the virtual 5K and “do their part to support our children.”

To sign up, interested participants can go to https://bafasports.com/product/smash/