Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School donated $1,000 to the St. Thomas East End Medical Corporation (STEEMC) on Friday, Oct. 25, which was collected through a breast cancer fundraising activity held at the school.
The BCB school family wore pink in support of breast cancer awareness and assembled outside the auditorium to mark the occasion. School Counselor Patricia Adams, who spearheaded the fundraising activity, briefly spoke to students about breast cancer awareness.
“Today, BCB has taken a stand against breast cancer,” she said. “We are going to be helping people here in St. Thomas who need help with their treatments. We are giving a monetary donation to support the cause.”
Adams invited Margarita Charles-Smith — a special education teacher and a breast cancer survivor — to share her story. Charles-Smith gave an emotional account of her initial diagnosis and the impact it had on her and her family. She encouraged women and girls to do monthly self-exams and mammograms as directed by their doctors.
“You are still young, but you are never too young,” she said. “Breast cancer has no age limit. Take this very, very serious. With early detection and treatment, you can survive.”
Following her account, Merlene Jones, Ph.D. and Michelle Wilkinson, BCB assistant principals, presented Charles-Smith with a card signed by her colleagues showing their support.
Later in the program, Moleto Smith, director of STEEMC, announced that this year his organization would host the annual Relay for Life event in place of the America Cancer Society, which has discontinued operations in the territory. Relay for Life, he said, is scheduled for January and is a fundraiser to help residents of the V.I. offset breast cancer treatment costs.
“I am proud that you students are donating to a worthy cause,” Smith said. “This donation will go a long way in helping cancer victims.”
BCB’s breast cancer awareness fundraiser was also marked by students decorating classroom bulletin boards and doors.
