Breast cancer survivor uses carnival to raise awareness

Last Sunday, as revellers came together for Carnival in Jamaica Road March, breast cancer warrior and carnival veteran Lisa Farrer was spotted among those eagerly anticipating the season. But for her, this march was about more than celebration, it was a moment to spread awareness. Marching topless with her mastectomy scars on full display and a banner that read “Early detection saves lives,” the Trinidadian native, who played mas with Gen XS, took to the road with her infectious smile and energy to raise awareness.

Farrer attended her first carnival in Trinidad 42 years ago at the age of eight, helping a neighbour with a band in the parade. “For my efforts, I glued together pieces of my costume and got to play in ‘big people mas,’ mostly riding on the truck,” she recalled.

Deciding to march topless, she told The Gleaner, was to “encourage and empower women who feel disfigured” as at the start of her breast cancer recovery, she couldn’t find survivors who were also carnival enthusiasts.

“If I kept on the top or wore a monokini, no one would notice. Cancer cannot take our joy; we can still do the things we love,” she added.

Farrer noticed a lump in her breast right before the Miami Carnival back in 2022. Even with no family history of breast cancer, that November, Farrer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Through this experience, she encourages people—especially young revellers—to get their mammograms and to speak up and seek help early if they’re battling cancer.

“Caribbean people are private and sometimes they hide medical conditions from loved ones and suffer in silence,” Farrer highlighted.

Though physically exhausted from her fourth carnival of the year, Farrer also felt mentally and spiritually refreshed. Residing in Indiana, she had reservations about how her message would be received.

During carnival season, Farrer’s interactions with survivors and families affected by cancer affirmed her mission to spread awareness.

While on the road, she was approached by several people, some expressing gratitude for her courage, while others shared stories of loved ones who had passed away from cancer.

“An older woman stopped me and [said] that [she is] a survivor and that I’m so brave and to keep doing what I’m doing. Sons and daughters [hugged] me and whisper[ed] ‘I lost my mom … she didn’t tell us [and] she hid the symptoms’ or ‘she found out too late.’ [That] broke my heart,” she said.

Although Farrer faced some negative and hurtful online comments questioning her womanhood, she remains focused on the positive impact she’s having on others.

“Every carnival since my diagnosis has humbled me,” she reflected. “To find joy in sorrow and pain and then put it all out for people to see, makes me feel like my life has a deeper meaning. Carnival is no longer about me talking and having a good time but giving back.”

SOURCE OF COMFORT

Music has been a source of comfort for Farrer throughout her journey. Jermaine Edwards’ Beautiful Day and soca music help keep her spirits high. Her favourite hit for this year’s carnival season is Take Me Home by Freetown Collective. During Carnival in Jamaica, Farrer had an emotional connection with the song when she danced through the streets and encountered two women.

“I looked up to see [them] crying and smiling ... seeing me reminded them of their mom [who] died from breast cancer. We hugged, and for a few minutes danced down the street together,” she recalled.

Now in her second year post-treatment, Farrer focuses on practices that aid her recovery, including therapy and adopting healthier eating habits. “Put me next to a music truck and I can walk all day,” she joked.

To manage the fear of recurrence and maintain her emotional balance, she also practises Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a psychologist who specialises in cancer patients. She also journals and prays as part of her personal development.

“I journal and pray. I look at myself in the mirror and remind myself that I am enough, I am beautiful. I survived cancer and COVID-19, and this body is enough. I have a gratitude box [that] I put little mementos from my travels, [including] old carnival wristbands along with scriptures and inspirational sayings. Each day I take something out and reflect on the memory or the words in [which] I picked,” she shared.

Looking toward the future, Farrer hopes to continue her advocacy work, creating and distributing breast cancer awareness wristbands, and donating proceeds to different causes.

“I would love to sponsor a survivor to come ‘play mas’ or sponsor a screening day. But, until then, it will be just me with no top and the early detection flag,” Farrer added.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com