[dropcap]M[/dropcap]y Love for Yoplait yogurt introduced me to breast cancer awareness five years ago. Strange, I know. It was when I noticed my Yoplait yogurt lids were neither red nor silver, but pink! Of course I used the information on the foil to initiate my own breast cancer research, and learnt that my favorite yogurt company was donating ten cents for every pink lid purchased to cancer research and societies. Could you imagine my mother’s annoyance when I wanted even more yogurt?
After that I consciously paid attention to the Yoplait/ Super J IGA Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Since then I have been encouraging my family and friends every October to participate or just register for a cause and to purchase Yoplait yogurt. This year CFL and Super J Supermarkets were rebranded as Massy Stores but the Yoplait Walk for Cancer was nothing short of its previous existence.
After eight years of this “Walk for a Cause” it once again pulled a massive turn out, and this time I didn’t have to pester my friends to get into it. Everyone, even some tourists, gathered at the Massy Stores Mega parking lot at six in the morning on November 6th to begin the walk. There was a bit of socializing, hugs, kisses and congratulations to fellow participants for waking up early enough. Shani of “Socasize” got things started with an energetic and fun warm-up session. Former Carnival Queen Contestant, Shartoya JnBaptiste (Miss Massy Stores) and members from the Legends Carnival Band certainly stood out during that activity.
Then the sea of pink shirts took off from the starting line to the highway. Luckily it was bit cloudy so, I did not have to pay for not wearing sunscreen. Participants included breast cancer survivors, supporters and friends and family of those who lost their lives from cancer. Some people even printed pictures of lost loved ones on their T-shirts. That certainly kept reminding me that I do not participate every year, just for fun.
The finish line was at Pigeon Island where everyone crossed and then proceeded to purchase breakfast items. (I’m personally always happy to get my free yogurt). It was certainly very pleasing to see people of all ages, even kids, either walking or volunteering at the water stops and food tents. Shani directed a cool-down session this time, which despite the long walk, everyone happily and energetically followed.
The giveaway segment was really interesting, as only women won prizes, and some men jokingly accused the host of sabotage. That in no way dampened any man’s spirits, though. The most anticipated Men in Heels competition was as always, very entertaining. Once again the bravest of men completed an obstacle course wearing high heeled shoes. They flew over the hurdles and carried sandbags across to the finish line to not only win the grand prize of plane tickets and one thousand dollars cash, but to show support to those strong women fighting cancer. Congratulations to everyone who finished the walk. Here’s to once again standing side-by-side with women fighting for their lives.
