Marcelina Loblack (front, centre) with Still Beautiful supporters during the annual Pink Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness.
PHILIPSBURG–Breast cancer survivor Marcelina “Maso” Loblack of Still Beautiful Foundation has partnered with CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank for this year’s “Walk for Cure,” which will be held from 5:00pm Saturday, October 6, starting at the bank’s Philipsburg branch at Emmaplein 1.
Tickets will be available at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Philipsburg and Cole Bay branches and from Still Beautiful Foundation, as of September 1. 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.
Loblack said surviving breast cancer had been an ultimate test of her character, forcing her to trust her heart and reach deep inside for strength and willpower. May marked six months since 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, Loblack founded Still Beautiful Foundation in 2014, with a focus on cancer awareness, reaching out to breast cancer patients in particular with personalised care and providing counselling and education.
Fast forward – re-diagnosis, surgery and 16 radiation treatments later, Loblack was given a clean bill by her oncologist, an overwhelming feeling, having won the battle for a second time. Now, Loblack 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,” she said.
CIBC said stories of strength such as Loblack’s have been the bank’s driving force behind Walk for the Cure for the past seven years. The walk raises funds to provide care and counselling 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 was quoted as saying in a CIBC press release.
Still Beautiful Foundation has counselled more than 50 persons and their families and worked with 30 chemotherapy patients over the years and has brought breast cancer awareness to the forefront via presentations to National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, Leonald Connor School and other schools and organisations on the island.
Believing in the benefits of staying active, Loblack 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 said.
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, to love themselves, to know their bodies and to get regular check-ups and screenings.
Given a third chance at life, Loblack 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,” she said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80014-loblack-partners-with-cibc-s-walk-for-cure
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