PHILIPSBURG:— “An ultimate test of my character, forcing me to trust my heart and reach deep inside for that strength and willpower.” said founder of the Still Beautiful Foundation, this year’s partner of CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure, Marcelina “Maso” Loblack.
May marked six months that she was re-diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, six years after her first diagnosis in 2012. Turning her story into one of strength and purpose, Marcelina founded Still Beautiful in 2014, with a focus on cancer awareness, reaching out to breast cancer patients in particular with personalized care and providing counseling and education.
Fast forward, re-diagnosis, surgery and sixteen radiation treatments later, Marcelina was given the proverbial clean bill by her Oncologist. An overwhelming feeling, having won the battle for a second time. Now, Marcelina says she is back and better than before. “Cancer truly is a defining moment. It has made me redefine the word “impossible”, and since I did, nothing will ever be the same”.
Stories of strength, such as this one have been the bank’s driving force behind Walk for the Cure for the past seven years, raising funds to provide care and counseling to cancer patients across the region. Still Beautiful foundation was thrilled and welcomed the sponsorship, much needed for the foundation to continue its efforts and move into its fifth year of caring for survivors.
“From the day you’re diagnosed, you are a survivor, every day you wake up, you’re a survivor!” Loblack exclaimed. Still Beautiful foundation has counseled over fifty persons and their families, and worked with thirty chemotherapy patients over the years. The foundation has brought breast cancer awareness to the forefront via presentations to National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), Rotary Sunrise, Leonald Connor School and other schools and organizations on the island.
Believing in the benefits of staying active, Marcelina recently started Crossfit – challenging and strengthening her body. “At first I thought it would be too much for my body, but the coaches guide me and tailor workouts when needed…it’s great, I’m really enjoying it!” she laughed.
Through proper nutrition and staying active she has been able to combat the side effects of her treatments. She encourages women to make their wellbeing a priority and love themselves, also, to know their bodies and get regular check-ups and screenings. Given a third chance at life, Marcelina says she will live hers with love, laughter and creating great memories. “We are only given one life, I’m going to make mine count!”
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure will take place on Saturday October 6th at 5:00 a.m., kicking off at the bank’s Philipsburg branch at Emmaplein 1.
Tickets are available as of September 1st at both CIBC FirstCaribbean Philipsburg and Cole Bay branches and from the Still Beautiful Foundation. Persons wishing to make a contribution to the Walk can do so via the walk’s donation drop boxes and or CIBC FirstCaribbean Account # C/A 10055400.
Source: St. Martin News Network http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/29939-maso-redefining-the-impossible-giving-hope-to-other-survivors.html
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