Géraldine Toussaint left us in March this year after bravely facing breast cancer.
Today, her courage and resilience live on through her daughter, Aurélie, and her entire family; through the countless breast cancer warriors who continue their own battles; and through the Géraldine Toussaint Breast Cancer Care Centre, inaugurated this morning at Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital, Flacq.
This is why I joined Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Arianne Navarre-Marie; Honourable Minister Anil Bachoo; Mrs Shamima Patel, healthcare professionals, survivors, partners and Géraldine’s loved ones for this deeply meaningful occasion.
Breast cancer is not simply a women’s issue.
It is a national concern.
We must encourage regular screening, breast self-examinations, timely medical consultations and open conversations, free from fear or stigma.
Men also have a vital role to play:
As husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, colleagues and friends who can encourage the women in their lives to seek screening, and offer the love and reassurance that make a profound difference.
I pay tribute to the countless breast cancer warriors whose courage inspires us every day.
I also honour the families and caregivers who walk this journey alongside them, and the dedicated healthcare professionals whose commitment brings hope to patients every single day.
I commend Mrs Shammima Patel for transforming her own experience with breast cancer into a remarkable mission of service.
May this centre always be a place where every patient and every family find dignity, compassion and hope, as we continue to stand together.
As One People, As One Nation. 🤍🇲🇺