Spanish Town, Jamaica — A vibrant sea of pink filled the grounds of the Willowdene Group of Schools on Sunday, October 12, 2025, as the Women’s Ministries of the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists, in collaboration with the Family of God SDA Church, hosted its inaugural Pink 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair. The event formed a key part of the Conference’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance under the theme “Promoting Health, Hope, and Solidarity.”
The initiative drew an enthusiastic crowd, with 348 registered participants and over 200 runners and walkers taking to the course. Beyond the fitness and fellowship, the event also had a powerful cause—raising awareness and funds for women battling breast cancer. So far, $257,000 has been collected through registration fees and sponsorships, with donations still coming in.
The morning began with a stirring devotional session coordinated by Sis. Ruth Walcott, CJC Prayer Ministries Director, and a moving message delivered by Pastor Czedale Smallwood titled “The Cloud of Witness – Those Who Have Set an Example; That’s Why We Run.” Participants were then energized by a dynamic warm-up session from Black Fuse Fitness Center, before the race officially kicked off under the expert moderation of GC Foster College.
Post-race festivities included an engaging prize-giving ceremony moderated by Michael Foresight from NCU, wellness sessions, interactive games, and a vibrant showcase of community spirit. Many local church teams proudly represented their parishes in coordinated shirts, creating a strong visual symbol of unity and support.
In a heartwarming gesture, 15 mammograms were donated to women in need, made possible through generous contributions from Caribbean School of Medical Science Jamaica (CSMSJ) and other partners.
Rox-Anne Chambers, Director of Women’s Ministries, emphasized the importance of offering real, meaningful assistance to women impacted by breast cancer.
“It’s not enough to simply raise awareness — we must provide tangible support for those walking this difficult journey,” she said. “What we witnessed today was a beautiful display of teamwork, compassion, and community spirit coming together for a greater cause.”
Meanwhile, Essence Monroe-Douglas of the Family of God SDA Church also celebrated the event’s success and energy.
“Every step taken today was a statement of hope,” she shared. “The vibrant display of pink and the incredible turnout showed that we were not just running or walking — we were moving with purpose.”
The event was supported by an impressive list of sponsors and partners, including ASI, Precision Imaging, Kreative Kreations by Stacy, Dr. Jermaine Nicholson, Greg’s Extreme Fitness Center, Black Fuse Fitness Center, Kennedy’s Pharmacy, Advent Care Medical Services, the Jamaica Union Conference, and the Central Jamaica Conference.
Special recognition was also extended to Family of God SDA Church, local congregations across the conference, Willowdene Group of Schools, and the wider community for their invaluable involvement.
Looking ahead, the Women’s Ministries Department plans to expand the event in the coming years, aiming for even greater participation and impact. The Pink 5K not only raised awareness but also laid the groundwork for a Cancer Assistance Fund, reinforcing the Conference’s commitment to holistic health, compassion, and community solidarity.
For pictoral highlights click here