In a heartwarming and inspiring event, the MARIGOLD campaign Pink Oct – Mov ’23 was officially launched, marking the beginning of an ambitious national effort to raise awareness about cancer and mental health issues.

Over the past 8 years, campaigns like Pink October and Movember have been instrumental in creating a significant impact, and once again, MARIGOLD joins forces with various NGOs dedicated to cancer awareness and care.

The central message of this campaign is clear: ‘Don’t Stand Still’ – awareness and early prevention are our most potent weapons against cancer. MARIGOLD seeks to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health, demystifying common misconceptions about cancer and instilling courage in those facing this formidable foe.

During the launch event, hosted by the Chairperson of The Marigold Foundation Michelle Muscat under the patronage of First Lady Mrs. Miriam Vella, a number of experts, health professionals, and survivors spoke about the importance of such campaigns.

From her end, apart from explaining the main points of this upcoming campaign, Michelle Muscat offered a glimpse into the upcoming activities planned for the next two months of the campaign. With a packed schedule of events and initiatives, MARIGOLD promises to keep the momentum going.

First Lady Mrs. Miriam Vella, with a heartfelt appeal, shared her personal experience. Regular mammograms helped her sister detect breast cancer early, and today, she is well thanks to these routine checks. Miriam urged mothers to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccines, underlining the importance of proactive healthcare.

Cancer is no longer the hushed whisper it once was; it’s a shared battle, and survivors like Marthese Bianco, who triumphed over breast cancer in June 2021, serve as beacons of hope. Sadly, Marthese’s mother succumbed to breast cancer this year, highlighting the urgency of campaigns like MARIGOLD.

Statistician Danica Marmara, a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, shared the results of a recent study conducted among the Maltese population. The study emphasised the importance of such campaigns like the ones being organised by MARIGOLD, revealing that 60% of the population possesses a good understanding of breast cancer, but other cancers, especially among men, remain largely unfamiliar. Shockingly, two-thirds of Maltese men admitted to never having checked for cancer. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as the study suggests that awareness is on the rise.

Joining the campaign trail is Ryan Barbara, an advocate for mental health. In a world where mental health remains a taboo subject, the campaign aims to shed light on this pressing issue, especially in light of the increasing suicide rates, some of which are connected to conditions like testicular cancer.

Chrissy Von Brockdorff, echoing the sentiments of the campaign, stressed the importance of engaging with screening programs at the right ages. The key, she emphasised, is to reach as many people as possible and encourage them not to shy away from making that vital appointment. She also reminded the audience about the signs of cancer, reinforcing the message that early detection can save lives.

Dr. Nick Refalo, a seasoned medical professional, reminded everyone that when cancer is caught in its initial stages, it can often be cured. Screening, he emphasised, is paramount in achieving this goal.

The campaign also announced exciting news – the arrival of Braca therapy, a result of last year’s fundraiser. Additionally, this year, MARIGOLD intends to bring chemotherapy to the community, enabling patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. This ambitious project, however, requires significant funds for implementation, including transport for healthcare workers who will assess patient needs and ensure their treatment is proceeding smoothly.

#MaltaDaily