The Yvonne Ashley Galiber Breast Cancer Foundation brought together survivors, medical experts, advocates, and community members for a two-day Breast and Prostate Cancer Conference held Friday and Saturday at the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus Great Hall on St. Croix.
Centered on the theme “Linked by Genes. United by Hope,” the admission-free event expanded the foundation’s long-standing breast cancer programming to include prostate cancer, highlighting the growing need for open conversations about genetic risk, family history, and early detection in the Virgin Islands.
“We are finding more and more that if we don’t understand our genetic inheritance in our family line, we don’t always understand how cancer passes from generation to generation,” said YAGF President Cassandra Dunn. “Families have to talk about what is happening so the next generation understands their health legacy.”
Funded in part by the USVI Public Finance Authority, the conference featured 22 presenters and 33 sessions over two days, with experts traveling from the mainland United States and across the Caribbean, including Atlanta, Texas, Florida, Antigua, and Puerto Rico.
The conference was held in memory of the foundation’s founder, Yvonne Ashley Galiber, who died in May 2025 at age 62. A survivor of both breast and thyroid cancer, Galiber was remembered for her commitment to ensuring Virgin Islanders had access to lifesaving care and information.
“Yvonne believed in closing the gaps — between diagnosis and care, between fear and understanding, and between those with access to health resources and those without,” Dunn said. “Cancer touches all of us. We must talk about it.”
The conference opened with keynote speaker Dr. Lauren Bates of the University of South Florida, who addressed cancer research, environmental factors, and the importance of sustainable health practices. On the second day, Dr. Jade Jones of Emory University — a St. Croix native — delivered a keynote on breast cancer risk and clinical trials, emphasizing opportunities for Virgin Islanders to participate in research.
Sessions throughout the conference covered a wide range of topics, including the emotional toll of cancer, nutrition, exercise, caregiving, and emerging treatment approaches. Dr. Zina Peters addressed the psychological impact of diagnosis, while Dr. Simeon Jaggermauth highlighted the often-overlooked reality of male breast cancer. Other presentations explored alternative therapies, cancer care planning, and regional trends, with medical professionals, including Dr. Wilfred Labiosa and Dr. Dwayne Thwaites, sharing insights specific to Caribbean populations.
Interactive elements, including private “chat room” sessions and chair yoga led by an oncology-trained instructor, gave attendees opportunities to engage more personally with both experts and one another.
One of the most impactful moments came during a panel featuring survivors and advocates, including Sen. Franklin “Frankie” Johnson, who shared his prostate cancer journey in candid detail. Organizers said his presentation walked the audience through each stage of treatment and recovery, offering a deeply personal perspective on the disease.
The audience also heard from a six-year-old participant who shared her experience losing her mother to breast cancer, as well as survivors speaking about early diagnoses and aggressive forms such as triple-negative breast cancer. Organizers said these stories helped break down stigma and encouraged more open dialogue, particularly among men.
“We wanted people to know it’s okay to speak about these things,” Dunn said. “If you’re a man, speak about prostate cancer. Speak about breast cancer. These conversations save lives.”
Beyond education, the conference aimed to strengthen collaboration among local organizations. Members of the Virgin Islands Cancer Coalition hosted informational tables, connecting attendees with resources and support services.
Organizers said feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for the event to become a regular offering.
“We believe we raised awareness for both breast and prostate cancer and helped deepen community connections,” Dunn said. “If people understand the full continuum — prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship — then we can truly make a difference.”
The event concluded with a closing reception at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts.
YAGF continues its mission to support cancer patients and families across the territory through education, advocacy, and direct services, including funding for mammograms and biopsies for underserved and uninsured residents.
