PHILIPSBURG:--- The Positive Foundation and the Elektralyets Foundation proudly close another powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Love the Tatas, Check ’Em!”
Throughout October, the community came together in solidarity, support, and celebration of survivorship and early detection. From the Play for the Cure Softball Tournament and the vibrant Pink Parade to the serene Pink Sunset Sail and symbolic Princess Walk at PJIA Airport, every event reflected the island’s strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer.
A special thanksgiving service at the Colebay Methodist Church gave the community a moment to reflect, give thanks to survivors and honor those who have lost their battles. The service, filled with prayers, testimonies and uplifting songs, brought together participants, survivors, families, and supporters for a powerful moment of unity.
The Foundations proudly hosted various vital educational workshops in collaboration with the MBC Travelers from the United States. The workshop featured key presentations: “Know Your Lemons”, an informative and interactive breast health session early detection, an informational lecture by Dr. McKensie, Breast Medical Oncologist from Natera, highlighting the importance of early detection and testing and “Empower Yourself, Empower Others” by Yolanda-Jackson Martina, a breast cancer survivor, who shared her powerful journey of resilience and empowerment.
As part of the ongoing commitment to women’s health, a special Women’s Health Day was also held at the St. Maarten Medical Center, offering a range of free health services. Participants received clinical breast exams, mammogram vouchers for uninsured individuals, as well as blood pressure, blood sugar, and HIV screenings. The event successfully served over 150 participants, reinforcing the Foundations’ dedication to promoting early detection, awareness, and accessible healthcare for all.
In partnership with multiple medical clinics across the island, from Philipsburg to Dutch Quarter to Maho and Colebay, the Breast Cancer Screening Program 2025 made early detection more accessible than ever, offering free clinical breast examinations, mammograms vouchers for uninsured individuals who may need a mammogram.
The foundations facilitated presentations by survivors to corporate organizations, educational institutions, and faith-based groups to raise awareness and promote education. These presentations offered powerful firsthand perspectives that inspired our community to act early, increasing the availability of diverse treatment options.
Representatives of the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations, Shelly Alphonso and Mercedes van der Waals Wyatt, extend heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, healthcare professionals, partners, sponsors, and participants who made this month a grand success.
Donations and funds raised throughout the month will continue to fuel the Foundation’s unwavering mission to educate and empower. These contributions directly support impactful initiatives such as billboards campaigns, dynamic social media outreach, public service announcements, free mammograms for uninsured individuals and distribution of educational materials. Through innovative and engaging efforts, the foundations aim to reach not only the local community but also inspire awareness and action far beyond our shores.
“Every event, every conversation, every small step makes an enormous impact,” added Shelly Alphonso. “Our community continues to show up with love, courage, and purpose. Every walk, every screening, every conversation helps save lives.”
“Our community’s spirit is our greatest strength,” said Mercedes Van der Waals Wyatt. “It is this sense of unity and determination that makes all the difference in raising awareness and saving lives.”
As the month concludes, the foundations remind everyone that breast health is a year-round commitment. Women — and men — are encouraged to perform monthly self-checks, schedule annual mammograms in consultation with their doctor, and continue to share the message that early detection saves lives.
The Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation remain committed to empowering the community through education, support, and advocacy — ensuring that the message of hope and early detection continues far beyond October.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we save lives.
For more information, follow the Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation on social media or contact
Shelly Alphonso – +1-721-580-9658 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mercedes van der Waals Wyatt – +1-721-523-7418 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
