Sea of Pink floods Philipsburg as community unites for Annual Pink Parade

GREAT BAY--The streets of Philipsburg were transformed into a sea of pink on Friday, October 2, as more than 200 community members participated in the Annual Pink Parade organized by the Positive Foundation and Elektralytes Foundation as part of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

The parade was one of the highlights of the foundations’ month-long campaign focused on education, awareness, early detection, survivorship and support.

Cancer survivors, caregivers, advocates, healthcare supporters, community organizations, educational institutions, corporate partners, parliamentarians and residents joined the parade in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. Participants dressed in pink, carried banners and reinforced the message of hope, support and the importance of early detection.

The event also reflected the continued growth of community participation in breast cancer awareness activities. Organizations taking part included the American University of the Caribbean, Still Beautiful Foundation and the Breast Cancer Support Group, Sister Basilia Center, Funtopia Foundation, Urmain “Youmay” Dormoy and New Generation Band, NAGICO Insurances, Fitness Attitude “Move for Her,” Breast Friends Forever, SCDF Pageantry Committee, Orco Cares/Orco Bank, and the Golden Rock Cancer Awareness Foundation from St. Eustatius.

Holland House also supported the event by providing a warm welcome and refreshments to participants.

Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso and Elektralytes Foundation President Mercedes van der Waals-Wyatt said every person who joined the parade helped strengthen an important community message. They stressed that breast cancer affects individuals, families, workplaces and entire communities, and that awareness must lead to action.

They also welcomed the growing presence of breast cancer survivors in the parade, noting the importance of honoring those who survived, supporting those who are still undergoing treatment and remembering those who lost their lives to the disease.

The Positive Foundation and Elektralytes Foundation thanked all participants, organizations, sponsors, volunteers and supporters who helped make the parade possible. Special appreciation was also extended to Holland House and KPSM for their support.

The Pink Parade served as a visible reminder of the campaign’s central message that early detection saves lives. Throughout October, women ages 18 and older are being encouraged to make use of available screening opportunities, including free clinical breast examinations at participating clinics and healthcare providers.

The foundations are also partnering with St. Maarten Medical Center to provide 100 free mammograms for uninsured women who qualify through screening referrals. The mammograms will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

The 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign will continue throughout October with educational, wellness, fundraising and support activities aimed at promoting breast health and encouraging women to prioritize regular screening.

The Positive Foundation and Elektralytes Foundation are also encouraging the public to continue supporting the campaign, attend upcoming activities, share breast health information and remind women that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against breast cancer.

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