The Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP) in partnership with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MBCCI) and the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation (VHFF) from New York handed over two cheques totalling US$153,081.25 to the National Health Fund. The money is to go towards the purchase of two Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Machines which will be used to provide the latest in cancer treatment. Vincent HoSang handed over US$132,121.25, while the JAAP donated US$20,869.00.
The presentation was made at a very glamorous and entertaining Awards Banquet which culminated the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals Annual Convention and Education Forum, October 2-5, 2014 at the Hilton Resort and Spa, Montego Bay, St. James. Guest speaker was chairman of LASCO, Lascelles Chin. The function was attended by Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health; Everton Anderson, chief executive officer – NHF; members of the business community as well as several high profile individuals from the Vincent HoSang Foundation in New York.
Dr Ferguson said the machines when acquired will be installed at two public hospitals, one of which will be the Cornwall Regional Hospital, and will ensure that there is no cost to needy Jamaicans who must receive radiation treatment for cancer. He emphasized that the cost of a full course of radiation treatment was in the region of $1.8-M to $1.9-M. However, when the machines become available the cost for a full dose to the poorest and most vulnerable will be reduced to zero. Lascelles Chin made a pledge of US$50,000 towards the purchase of the equipment.
The JAAP LINAC Fund was launched in 2011 through the kind effort of Mediasol and its principal Suzette Brown. The Committee was supported by the members of the JAAP National Executive, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, at the time under the leadership of Davon Crump. The discussions and support thereafter with Audley Baxter and Dr. Delroy Fray lead to meeting with Dr. Vincent HoSang, who quickly jumped on board with an effort spearheaded by the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation in New York.
The drive to raise funds was piloted around the corners of Jamaica with a documentary on Television Jamaica; a Power Walk from Montego Bay to Kingston, supported by the Rotary Club of Montego Bay Sunrise and participation in several events.
Support came from Norma Webster who, to date, has made the largest single contribution to the Fund. Other contributions came from JAAP, Bank of Nova Scotia, National Commercial Bank, Lannaman and Morris, through Freight Handlers and Hawkeye and Ranger Security companies through Richard Phillips. Robert Harris, Jamaica National Building Society and Jamaica International Insurance Company were the main sponsors for the TVJ documentary.
The JAAP will continue with its fundraising efforts under the Fight for Life Campaign. In this regard, funds raised will be used to underwrite the financing cost of user fees for the poor and most vulnerable.
The Fight for Life Campaign is asking Jamaicans at home to make a difference by donating $500 to the cause. Jamaican overseas are asked to donate US$10.00 to the cause. Donations can be made to NCB Account Number 431104180. Interested persons can learn more at http://www.fightforlifejamaica.com
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