The late Olive Mae Josiah-Lack, Founder of Breast Friends, Antigua

Our History

Breast Friends "Women in Touch" is a nonprofit, non- governmental organization founded in August 1998 by the late Olive Mae Josiah Lack.  It is a survivors’ initiative which provides emotional support to survivors, patients, their family and friends through sharing of experiences and information.  Breast Friends also educates the general public and promotes awareness ​of breast health, with special emphasis on the importance of early detection.

Breast Friends which began with three individuals, has blossomed into a well-organized group.  It now has a Board of Directors which includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.  We have a membership of forty-five (45) persons.
President of Breast Friends, Eunetta Bird
Mrs. Gisel Joshua, Past President of Breast Friends 2004 -2010

Our Goals
  • To sustain an active group of survivors, patients, supporters, concerned individual and supportive entities.
  • To assist every citizen and resident who is afflicted with breast cancer by developing support systems that meet their individual needs.
  • To engage in regular education and awareness campaigns about the causes, prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
  • To develop health promotion campaigns that address areas of breast health where information is lacking.

Our Impact
Breast Friends has made our society much more aware of breast cancer and people are better informed.  In most instances, many women fell less fearful and more encouraged after learning the facts about breast cancer.  More women are taking responsibility for their own health by having annual clinical examinations, as well as annual mammograms.

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Our Activities
Breast Friends meets every second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lion's Den at 6:00 pm.  Our meetings are open to women in the community who have breast cancer, their families, friends and well wishers.  Members can find inspiration, hope and support through sharing of information and experiences.  

Lectures are conducted to groups by invitation.  These include church groups, schools civic organizations, private and government offices, banks and various other work places.

A Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is held annually in the month of May in commemoration of Mother's Day to heighten awareness of breast cancer.  This is a time when many from all walks of life turn out in increasing numbers to remember those who have lost the battle to the disease, to fight back with those who are living with the disease and to celebrate with the survivors.

During October which is breast cancer awareness month, we collaborate with Health Care Professionals, Mount St. John's Medical Centre and the Lion's Club of Antigua and Barbuda and offer a one day free breast screening.  We also participate in many health fairs annually.  The organization provides literature on breast health  and shower costs cards free of costs.  With our limited resources we have been able to reach different areas of the community. 

In recent years, With the support of the Ministry of Health and the corporate community, we have produced two very successful seminars on breast cancer. 

A Celebration of Life Dinner is one of the highlights of our annual fund raising  activities.