Six-year-old Aviyah Ottley is escorted by Miss Junior BVI Kairah Moolenaar Friday during an assembly at Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary school. Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK

Aviyah Ottley sat fidgeting in her seat Friday morning with her Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary School classmates. Like several other squirmy students, her face lit up when she saw radio personality Sophia Rubaine-Brooks arrive at the school dressed as a character from a Dr. Seuss book.

“It’s the cat in the hat!” many of the children cried excitedly.

Six-year-old Aviyah Ottley is escorted by Miss Junior BVI Kairah Moolenaar Friday during an assembly at Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary school. Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK
But Friday’s assembly wasn’t just about bringing a beloved book character to the school. It was also about taking time during October – Cancer Awareness Month – to talk to the students about cancer.

Since she was just 7 months old when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Aviyah and her family are all too acquainted with the realities that were reiterated by BVI Cancer Society President Gloria Fahie.

“You could be 90 years old or you could be 9 months old,” Ms. Fahie said. “Cancer doesn’t care.”

Ms. Fahie also urged the students to learn all they can about how to keep themselves healthy and reduce their risk of cancer.

“That means no Cheetos,” she said. “Tell your mommy and your daddy you want fruits and vegetables.”

See the Nov. 5, 2015 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}