#NYLO2017: That Little Word Called 'Love': LJB Foundation & Ms. Ann Paula Bibby

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The tables were turned for Ms. Ann Paula Bibby on Saturday 5th August, 2017 at the Lion's Civic Center as she was on the receiving end of the generosity she often gives at a fundraising dinner organised by the Lucy Joyce Blackman International Foundation. 

Ann Paula Bibby and family entering the venue.

 Ms. Ann Paula Bibby, Project Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, was first diagnosed with stage IVstomach cancer in January of 2015. Bibby shared a few words by stating that after twenty-six cycles of chemotherapy she has now reduced from stage IV to two nodules left after two and a half years. She encouraged, "Many people fear cancer but with a lot of positivity, go out there, be strong... don’t be afraid of it, it's curable, because there is one big man who knows what and how to cure it, and that's God... I am here and I am truly alive."The proceeds of the fundraiser are intended to help with Bibby's health expenses. 

The well- supported fundraiser included cancer survivors and their families, along with a number of sponsors and people whose lives Bibby has touched. An atmosphere of encouragement and positivity prevailed. Seated directly in front of the stage with her family, Bibby encouraged the audience to, "Get up and shake a leg please, for me," to the lovely musical performances by the family band Moore's Music Productions.


 The Moore's Music band perform to an appreciative audience.

"Paula helped me when I was down," said visibly-moved songstress and cancer-survivor, Marcia Miranda, before she serenaded Bibby with her rendition of Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings and other spirit- bolstering songs. Bibby followed by saying that Miranda was a "beautiful spirit," who is "really my saviour, you are the reason I am alive because I helped you and believe me, you certainly helped me too."



Marcia Miranda serenades Ann Paula Bibby while Ingrid Blackman-Arrastia supports.

 Ingrid Blackman- Arrastia of the LJB Foundation informed, "The Cancer Society and Paula directly have always been a help to us from inception. She was instrumental to our development. She is like our mum and has a heart of gold so it was a natural decision to organise this fundraiser." In a few words shared to the audience, Blackman- Arrastia warmed the crowd by saying, "The one thing that unites us all is that little word, L O V E."


Members of the Lucy Joyce Blackman Foundation


The Lucy Joyce Blackman Foundation is a global non-profit charity created by the children of Lucy Joyce Blackman to honour her death and her life's message of love and charity. Their motto of "charity begins at home" closely aligns with Bibby's which states, "If I can help someone as I tarry along, then my living is not in vain."
One can contact the LJB Foundation to offer support to Ms. Ann Paula Bibby by calling 683-6482.

*Blog by Ariel Matthews & Emma Harris
*All photos by Rhykeda Mason

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