The Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Eleuthera Branch (CSE) Annual Hope Ball, its signature annual fundraiser event, hosted at the Correne Sands Hall at CSE’s Wellness Center in Palmetto Point on Saturday evening, March 7th, 2026, was well attended, with survivors, donors, medical professionals, society members, volunteers, and supportive community members, all dressed in their finest, for a worthwhile, and increasingly necessary cause – as the prevalence of cancer on the island continues to impact the lives of residents.
Notable attendees included the Honourable Clay Sweeting, Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, and Susan Roberts, Chair of the Council for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, who took the time to make their presence felt in support of the work of the CSE.
Master of ceremonies for the evening soiree was special guest, Mr. Ray Morrison, well-known by many Eleutherans as the stage host of the Pineapple Festival for a number of years. He kept the evening moving along smoothly – while acknowledging his own Eleuthera roots, specifically his mother’s family, the Symonettes from Wemyss Bight – and recounted his personal encounters with cancer, having lost several family members to the disease.
The corporate community was a significant source of support and well represented, with several businesses who bought out full tables in support of the cause, enjoying the evening in the company of colleagues. Resplendent decorations and event decor were also donated by Glenda Laroda, a cancer survivor herself, originally from Lower Bogue, who ensured the room positively sparkled for the evening of elegance, good food, and prize-winning fun.
CSE president, Susan Culmer, during her welcome address to the room, talked about the society’s mission of supporting cancer patients, and promoting healthy lifestyles. She emphasized the importance of early detection, and the need for community support in the fight against cancer. This year’s World Cancer Day 2026 theme, “United by Unique”, said Susan, highlighted four core concepts: putting focus on the person – providing essential support to cancer patients; continued action – implementing campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyles and education; inclusiveness – integrating individuals with a personal experience with cancer, as a vital support team, like the ‘Sisterhood of Survivors’; and individual impact – encouraging survivors to share their personal stories and experiences to inspire and educate others.
President Culmer went on to encourage both men and women to get their PSA testing and regular mammograms – highlighting the availability of mammogram machines on the island, leaving no room for excuses not to get screened. She also pointed to the modern simplicity of the PSA testing now being available through a simple blood test for men, rather than uncomfortable exams – all with the aim of early detection, to save lives.
Ms. Culmer thanked her team at The Cancer Society, Eleuthera Branch, as well as the growing number of corporate partners, survivors, and their sponsors, for their continous support. President Culmer also described the society’s “Correne Sands Community Award” which debuted at the Hope Ball in March of 2024, and named in honour of CSE’s very first president, who served for 19 years, from 1985 to 2004 – and who is remembered as a passionate warrior in the cause of helping others deal with cancer. Mrs. Sands, said Ms. Culmer, was instrumental in both obtaining the property where the Wellness Center now stands, as well as in getting the building built, along with her team at the time. Eldest son of Mrs. Sands, Mr. Clifford Sands, was present, along with his family members, and they were recognized for their connection to her legacy.
Later that evening, at the 2026 Hope Ball, Mrs. Sherrin Cooper, retired nurse and active civic leader, was honoured as the third recipient of the Correne Sands Community Award. Mrs. Cooper was described as a “very warm, very beautiful soul,” and a highly deserving recipient. The family of the late Mrs. Correne Sands assisted with the presentation of the special award.
