Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar is a local organisation dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and providing support to those affected. In autumn of 2023, they launched the Calendar of Courage as part of Breast Cancer Awareness season.
Remarkably, two members of our team are featured in the calendar, adorned beautifully by body art professionals. They shared their involvement in this meaningful project with us.
Marie, Personal Lines Broker at Sovereign Insurance Services, featured in August. Diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020, she underwent a mastectomy in December 2021 and has been in remission since. Currently awaiting reconstructive surgery scheduled for 2023, Marie expressed her gratitude for being part of the calendar, highlighting the support she received from Breast Cancer Gibraltar.
Chrisanne, a Central Administration Manager in the Sovereign Trust team, appears on the December page alongside her mother Denise, grandmother Christine, and sister Louise. With both her mother and grandmother being breast cancer survivors in remission for 10 and 20 years respectively, and all four family members carrying the PALB2 breast cancer gene, Chrisanne and her sister opted for preventive surgery in 2021 based on medical advice.
PALB2, an acronym for Partner And Localiser of BRCA2, plays a critical role in repairing DNA damage in cells. When this protein malfunctions, it can lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer.
Breast Cancer Gibraltar, chosen as Sovereign Gibraltar’s charity of the year, receives ongoing support through fundraising events organized by staff members. Sovereign proudly sponsored Chrisanne and Marie, who, along with 11 other breast cancer survivors bravely participated in the project.
Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Breast Cancer Gibraltar offers a range of services, from counselling to financial assistance for prostheses and wigs, aiming to support individuals through their journey.
Updates can be found on Breast Cancer Gibraltar’s Facebook page.