By Steven Knipp
steve@caymannetnews.com

On Saturday, 11 October, RE/MAX Cayman Islands will host a Breast Cancer Gala Dinner at the Westin Casuarina Resort.

The special evening will be a combination event, both to celebrate survivors and to raise funds for local non-profit organisations - including the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens - and the internationally acclaimed Susan G. Komen Organization.

The special black-tie evening will provide a range of entertainment, including both silent and live auctions, a formal dinner, dancing and more - featuring DJ services from One World Ltd.

A host of sponsors is supporting the event, including RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association, First Caribbean International Bank and Campbells.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Diane Balma, Vice President of Strategic Relations at Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ms Balma is a survivor herself and has been working for many years with that organisation.

Kim Lund, one of the evening’s key sponsors, told Cayman Net News: “Our company, RE/MAX Cayman Islands, has always tried to take a very active role in supporting cancer awareness through great local organisations like the Cancer Society and Lions Club of Tropical Gardens.

“This has been accomplished by all of us giving our personal time to support fundraising events, as well as donating our own funds for this cause. The gala dinner is a fundraiser to celebrate life and the survivors.

“Funds earned from this event will promote more cancer awareness and medical screening, so we have more survivors, until we completely eradicate this terrible disease from our country. The evening will be action-packed with a live auction, silent auction, live entertainment and dancing, and lots of camaraderie.”

He added: “We sincerely appreciate all of our sponsors, who have stepped up with their support, in difficult economic times.”

Tickets are $150 per person, or $1,500 for corporate tables of 10. For booking or ticket information, email janet.jarchow@remax.ky.

Some important facts about breast cancer:

• The most common warning signs of breast cancer are change in the appearance or feel of the breast or nipple or a nipple discharge.
  
• Breastfeeding protects the breast against cancer.
  
• Doctors recommend breast self exams and frequent mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer.
  
• Lifestyle choices such as eating healthy, frequent exercise and abstaining from alcohol decrease the risk of developing breast cancer.
  
• Having high levels of naturally produced estrogen or estrogen taken as a supplement for menopause or birth control can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
  
• Race, ethnicity and family history are all risk factors for breast cancer.