Philipsburg, St. Maarten – The Breast Cancer Support Group host by Still Beautiful, Positive and Elektralyets Foundations gathered on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, for a heartfelt Thanksgiving Potluck Feast at the 4C Foundation Conference Room on A.T. Illidge Road. The evening, facilitated by Mercedes Van Der Waals Wyatt, was filled with gratitude, shared experiences, and encouragement as members came together to celebrate life and support one another. This marked the conclusion of the 2025-year meetings.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Virginie Matser Timmermans of VMT Consultancy, who shared insights on patient education and communication. Virginie previously collaborated with the Positive Foundation a decade ago to produce the brochure, Your Guide to Overcoming Side Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy. This resource has been instrumental in helping patients at the St. Maarten Medical Center navigate treatment challenges.
Plans for Brochure Revamp
The Positive Foundation along with VMT Consultancy announced an initiative to revamp the existing brochure to better serve the community. During her presentation Virginie took notes of feedback from group members for inclusion the updated version. The updated version will:
- Feature advertisements for support group meetings.
- Present content in a more gender-inclusive design.
- Separate sections for radiation and chemotherapy side effects for easier reference.
- Provide clear contact details for organizations offering assistance.
- Provide Sample Meal Plans – Nutrition and wellness during recovery.
Quotes from Partner Foundations
- Positive Foundation: “Education and support are the cornerstones of early detection and survivorship. Revamping this brochure ensures that every patient has access to clear, practical guidance and knows where to turn for help.”
- Elektralyets Foundation: “Cancer care is not just medical—it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal. This initiative reflects our commitment to holistic support for everyone affected.”
- Still Beautiful Foundation: “We believe beauty and strength shine through even in the toughest times. By updating this resource, we empower individuals to face treatment with confidence and dignity.”
Event Atmosphere
The Thanksgiving Potluck was a warm and uplifting occasion, with members bringing their favorite dishes and drinks to share. The event emphasized gratitude, connection, and mutual support—core values that strengthen the fight against cancer.
