By Tangerine Clarke
President of the Health
Education Relief Organization
for Cancer, (H.E.R.O.C)
Lorna Welshman-Neblett, said,
her organization is recommending
that cancer patients
put their safety first, during
the coronavirus pandemic, since
their immune systems could be
compromised easily.
The Guyanese-American, who
has led the group since October
2016, and carry out medical
missions to Guyana annually, is
advising patients to avoid crowded
areas and wash their hands
thoroughly, in addition to taking
vitamin C boosters.
As a female president, who
was nominated for Cambridge
Academy Alumni International
Association, Inc. Robert A. Pinkerton
Humanitarian Award to be
received at their Biennial Gala in
July 18, 2020, Neblett continues
to inspire all women to stay
healthy in many ways, and especially,
during this time of uncertainty.
She is not only issuing
stern advice to keep women safe,
she is adamant that early screening
and detection saves lives.
Neblett took up the mantle
to educate women on the
deadly cancer disease, after an
organization she was previously
a member of became defunct.
Along with other members
inspired to continue the fight
for those afflicted, they formed
H.E.R.O.C. that advises against
home visits during the corona
virus pandemic.
“Home visits are not recommended,
Caribbean Life, M 8 arch 27-April 2, 2020
but phone calls could
be made instead. As an organization,
we have checked in with
conference calls for decisionmaking
and will continue to
share information where necessary.
We do have a Whatsapp
group line for immediate
action,” added the humanitarian.
She said the hardest decision
the group has had to make was
to postpone its April 18 annual
Tea Party due to the coronavirus
(Covid 19) outbreak.
“This has saddened all of our
members, as this is our signature
event of the year, and one
that every supporter looks forward
to.
“We have not fully partnered
with a particular organization to
date in the US, however, we do
have two doctors from Health
Education Relief Organization
(HERO) with whom we stay
in contact for advice for our
patients when needed.
“We are presently working on
partnering with the Organization
for Stewartville Affairs, (US)
for a joint venture in Guyana
later this year if all goes well
and COVID19 disappears,” she
said, adding that the group,
work hand in hand with a sister
organization in Guyana, The
Giving Hope Foundation headed
by Oncologist, Dr. Latoya Gooding.
“All of our Missions are a
joint effort for the two groups.”
“I would like to tell all women
to pay strict attention to their
bodies. Any signs you see get
to your doctor. They may not
all be cancer, but it is better to
get checked. We continue to tell
them that early detection saves
lives and together we can give
cancer the boot,” said Gooding.
Neblett said H.E.R.O.C,
had experienced tremendous
growth in the medical missions
to Guyana, and the group had
Lorna Welshman-Neblett, president of H.E.R.O.C. third
from left, seated, surrounded by members of the organization,
after a fundraising event in Brooklyn. H.E.R.O.C.
been proactive in educating
cancer patients on their wellbeing,
nutrition, hygiene and
most importantly, have motivated
them to keep their bodies
healthy, while enjoying what life
had to offer.
The group works diligently to
raise funds through an Annual
Tea Party, Summer Fun Bingo,
and Guyanese Style Holiday
Breakfast. During these cheerful
events, Survivors and/or,
Thrives, are acknowledged for
their determination to fight the
dreadful illness.
Additionally, the group joins
with the American Cancer Society
for the annual Strides for
Breast Cancer Walk, and contributes
to the cause.
“Our goals for the next three
to five years are very important.
For our fifth mission to Guyana,
we are planning a gala where
the funds will be contributed
for pap smear testing and prostate
checks, by The Giving Hope
Foundation.”
“We continue to source prosthetics
for women who have had
mastectomy. We welcome donations,”
said Neblett adding, that
despite the organization’s nonprofit
status, financing has been
the only barrier it encounters,
and depends on fundraising to
carry on its work.
H.E.R.O.C prez leads charge to keep
cancer patients safe from COVID 19
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