Monique Hepburn, News Editor
Curdell East-Moore. – Claudine Housen Photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
FOR MANY women who have gone through the pain and stress of cancer, to have a strong support system to help them through their ordeal is a priceless gift.
Hundreds of women in Montego Bay hail Curdell East-Moore, a teacher for more than 30 years, as their very own quiet hero.
She has been counselling cancer survivors locally and overseas for almost 18 years.
"I really got involved helping others when my cousin, Maizie Minott, asked me to speak to a young lady who was diagnosed with breast cancer and I said yes," Mrs. East-Moore told The Gleaner on Tuesday.
"She was working in Montego Bay at the time and I spoke to her and encouraged her. She was able to survive for a number of years until she passed on."
COUNSELLED HUNDREDS
Since then, hundreds of persons have contacted Mrs. East-Moore for advice on diets and coping skills.
Keen on pointing out that she is an extremely shy person and would not normally approach persons, Mrs. East-Moore explains that her co-workers and congregation tell people about the work she does.
"Fellow teachers at Farm Primary and Junior High School and members of my church, Hill View Baptist, always tell me about persons in need of help and they issue my telephone numbers to them," she said. "So far I have helped hundreds of people and I have formed lasting friendships too."
Mrs. East-Moore was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. She says that she was able to survive with the help of her church, and her faith in God.
She continued, "I have survived because of God's goodness and I do not think that I should be selfish. My helping others is a form of ministry that I use to bring others closer to God. The fact that I am here as a survivor is proof that I am here for a purpose. And I will continue to help others because I know how important it is to have someone who cares in difficult times."
