2018 Pink Ribbon Lunch
On Wednesday 24th October, Airswift in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) hosted the 2018 Pink Ribbon Lunch at the Royal Papua Yacht Club. The event is part of the 2018 Pinktober Womens Cancer Awareness Campaign and provided an opportunity to the corporate community to actively participate and support women's cancer awareness in PNG.
The event included guest speakers Dr. Mary Bagita, President of the PNG Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, Ms. Elizabeth Janjara, cervical cancer survivor, Janette Marx, Airswift CEO, Dr. Lynda Sirigoi, PNGCF Deputy Chairperson, and Dr. Arthur Elijah, Vice President of O&G Society.
Airswift CEO Janette Marx speaking at the 2018 Pink Ribbon Lunch
Making a difference
The vision of the PNG Cancer Foundation is to reduce the threat and impact of cancer in Papua New Guinea through the roll out of successful education and awareness programs in various locations across the country. Current statistics from the PNG Institute of Medical Research states that two women die every day from cervical cancer in PNG. This makes cervical cancer the most common type of cancer affecting women in PNG and makes Womens Cancer Awareness such a vital campaign.
View from the podium at the 2018 Pink Ribbon Lunch Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation
The funds raised from 2017 allowed the PNGCF in 2018 to reach out to over 1,800 participants in the Provincial Community Outreach Program in West New Britain and Morobe provinces on cancer education and awareness, as well as distribute over 6,000 education and awareness materials on cancer and cancer prevention through the community and school-based cancer prevention programs.
“Cancers in particular, cervical, oral and liver, are predominant in PNG. Current statistics from the PNG Institute of Medical Research states that two women die every day from cervical cancer. It is so vital that action is taken on this devastating disease, which is why we are immensely proud to have raised awareness worldwide. This will support and make a difference to so many families and individuals who have been affected by cancer in PNG,”
Calum Smith - SVP, Asia Pacific
Janette Marx, Airswift CEO, Marietta Lawrence, PNG Operations Manager and Calum Smith, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific
Women signing in at the 2018 Pink Ribbon Lunch hosted by Airswift and the PNG Cancer Foundation (PNGCF)
Each year, Airswift’s team from its 60 global offices come together to raise funds and awareness for cancer care as part of its Relay For Life initiative. This year the ‘I hope for…’ campaign was launched to aid a better future for cancer patients and their families. Over 40 events took place over four months, including a triathlon in the UK, a dance-a-thon in Houston and a half marathon in Singapore and Brisbane. The donations will go to a range of cancer charities including Cancer Research UK, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Society Malaysia and many more. All of the charities aim to reduce the threat and impact of cancer through successful education, prevention and clinical support.
Janette Marx, CEO at Airswift, commented, “Cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries and affects so many of us on a personal level. We are immensely proud to raise awareness that will provide facilities and support to make a difference to so many families and individuals affected by cancer. Our support to this vital cause is just a small step to tackle a huge issue, however every donation helps people to get the best care and treatment available.”