317/2018
Basseterre, St, Kitts, April 18, 2018 – Former Minister of Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs, Hon. Marcella Liburd paid tribute Wednesday to the late Agnes Farrell who lost her battle with cancer Wednesday morning at the J N France General Hospital.
“After being diagnosed with breast cancer she became a voice for all who were afflicted. She became the Founder of The Reach for Recovery Group that provided emotional and financial support for cancer patients and survivors. The group is now in existence for 16 years and has grown from strength to strength under her leadership,” said Liburd, during Wednesday’s Issues” Programme on Freedom 106.5 FM.
Ms. Farrell began her battle with breast cancer having being diagnosed with the disease in 1998 and completed her radiation and chemotherapy in July, 1999 in Trinidad.
In accepting the “Mother of the Year Award” from Reign of Elegance Director, Mrs. Telca Wallace, for her exemplary work within the Federation, Farrell emphasised that “the road was by no means an easy one, but by God’s grace and mercy and the strong support of family and friends, I am able to say that I am a strong survivor.”
Upon her return to the Federation and realising that there was no organized support group or cancer society in the Federation, Ms. Farrell with three other persons (two of whom are also breast cancer survivors) started the support group.
This signalled the birth of the “Reach for Recovery” in February of 2002 of which she became Founder and President.
The breast cancer support group is determined to devote their time to helping others who became stricken with the disease.
In 2014, the reigning Miss Jaycees International, Kaeve Armstrong showed her support of breast cancer awareness and prevention by presenting the Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Support Group with a cheque EC$1000.00 to provide mammograms for three women on St. Kitts.
Ms. Farrell accepted the cheque on National Heroes Day at the Palm Court Garden during the Third annual Shades of Pink celebration of survivors fundraiser organised by the Reach for Recovery group.
Ms. Farrell was also a tutor in Secretarial Studies at the then St. Kitts Technical College, now the Division of Technical Vocational Education and Management Studies at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC); a staunch member of the St. Johnston Methodist Church, a choir member and a member of the National Choir.
“To her siblings, especially her sister Pat, niece, relatives and members of the Reach For Recovery Group and the St. Johnston Methodist Church, we extend on behalf of myself and the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, our heartfelt sympathy” said Liburd, the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher 2 (Central Basseterre) and Chairperson of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party.
Photo – the late Agnes Farrell
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