S.S.A.B’s labour of love

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 12 October 2018, 12:00AM

Cancer changes the lives.

It not affects cancer patients; their families are impacted as well.  

This has inspired the decision by the Chief Executive Officer and President of Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.), Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, to get behind the fight against cancer.

Tofilau said her sister, Afa Neria Toleafoa, is a cancer survivor and this is why the annual cancer awareness project is special to her.  

“This is also done in the memory of a dear friend, the ambassador for cancer, Manamea Apelu Schwalger. 

 “It is three years since, S.S.A.B. dedicated a corner of the Mega store, displaying only pink items and proceeds go to the Samoa Cancer Society at the end of the month. 

“This campaign is to also raise money to help the Samoa Cancer Society to continue its awareness programme for everyone out there to get an early checkup.” 

The Pinktober corner sells suitcases, A4 papers with a pink stamp, notebooks, pens, school bags etc. 

 “A certain percentage from these items will go to the S.C.C. as done in the last two years,” said S.S.A.B. Marketing Manager, Asomua Anastasia Stanley. 

“Our endorsement for the Pinktober campaign is evident with everyone wearing pink on Mondays and Fridays. And as staff members, we are proud to support this important cause. 

“Our campaign started in August and this is the third year. Last year the S.C.C. received $5,000 tala and $5,000 worth of in kind donation.” 

Tofilau reminded that early detection is important because it save lives and emphasised the importance of getting a medical checkup. 

“The Pinktober campaign is crucial to continue promoting and reinforce our women to get a screening.  It is fundamentally important to get early detection and we need to recognise the signs and symptoms and also learning to do breast self-examinations regularly.

‘To our women, we need to certify early diagnosis of breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers and other forms of cancer.

“Symptoms of breast cancer include new lumps in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of a part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, any change in breast size or shape and pain in any area of the breast.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 12 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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