On Tuesday, June 15th, The Basia Survivor Network unveiled to the press, breast cancer survivors, supporters, and the world, the campaign for the first ever annual “The Beat Breast Cancer Music Festival”. This festival will be held on October 31st, 2010.

The fourth session of our support group was also held on that day. Larry Cole, Assistant VP, Baptist Health International Center of Miami, dropped by to have a chat with our ladies and to express his support for the network. Baptist health is one of our main sponsors. Avril Harry, RN from the National Radiotherapy Centre was our first presenter on the topic “Chemo 101” and her presentation generated many questions from the audience.

Donna Camacho and Lisa Niles then presented on Ayraveda which is a form of traditional medicine practiced in India for centuries. Several of its methods, such as the use of herbs, massage therapy,and yoga, are considered forms of complementary medicine. Donna discussed the history and benefits of self massages using organic oils during treatment and post treatment of breast cancer.

Our surprise guest for the evening was former Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, who enjoyed the session with the survivors and shared her testimony of how she went about maintaining her own happiness. Ms. Breakspeare hosted the media launch of the campaign for the festival, that was held at The Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre that morning.