Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation opens their center in Seroe Blanco

Dec 10

by Rosalie Klein

Foundation President Enrita Werleman, Anneliz Jonkhout, Fientje Figaroa and Cheryldyne Muller with picture of Mary Joan

Founded in September of 2007, The Mary Joan Breast Cancer Support Foundation was proud to welcome island media, volunteers, and breast cancer survivors to the official opening of their center in Seroe Blanco on Tuesday evening, December 8.

The Original 4

The foundation is named for Mary Joan Geerman, who, with three other breast cancer survivors, started the movement in 2000 for island women to be vocal about their condition, share their experiences, provide information for other women who may fear they have breast cancer, and support them in their battle against this dread disease. While breast cancer may be the most common form of cancer among women, it also carries the best prognosis for a cure, with early detection and treatment.

On hand for the opening were two of the original four, Anneliz Jonkhout and Olivia Benschop, Fern Pochettino was not available. The foundation is named for Mary Joan, as she succumbed to the illness in 2002 after a valiant eight-year battle, during which she was a vocal activist for education and support; she was 40 years old.

Sister Sheryl and Mama Pina

Mary Joan’s mother, Pina Kock, and her sister, Sheryl, were invited to officially cut the pink ribbon and open the new center dedicated to education, assistance, and support for

officially opening the door

breast cancer victims on Aruba and their families. Two years of continual campaigning, the latest being a fundraising auction by Hard Rock Café Aruba of specially designed guitars autographed by Paulina Rubio, Fonseca and Earth, Wind and Fire, supplied the monies to restore and stock the Mary Joan Center.

Foundation President, Enrita Werleman, expressed her gratitude to Meta Corp for donating the building on the grounds of the ATCO/Eco-tech Headquarters. She also thanked Albo and Diti construction companies for donating the use of their equipment to clear the grounds, and the hours dedicated by the Valero Volunteers to the finishing of the center.

WCA members Diana, Mily and President Adelaida

Enrita tipped a hat to the Women’s Club of Aruba, represented by President Adelaida Ponson, Past President Diana Uchtmann and Vice-President Mily Henriquez, for their steadfast support of the foundation and assistance in raising funds over the past two years, and Consales and Yoplait yogurt, who have supported the annual “Pink Walk” and breast cancer awareness both locally and internationally.

The center will be manned with volunteers providing information daily, and they expect to conduct classes and seminars with guest speakers on a regular basis. Varied exercise programs for all ages will be a continual part of their monthly schedule, as a healthy lifestyle is essential for prevention and cure. Active members can be contacted for information regarding scheduling and assistance by calling Enrita Werleman at 597-6211, Anneliz Jonkhout 566-1201, Olivia Benschop 593-8862, Deta Figaroa 585-6156, Karin Hagens 597-5039 and Fientje Figaroa 560-1520.