'Carnival Aunty' back on the road after beating breast cancer

Carnival has always been a celebration that unites people from all over, and this year is no different. Among those making a heartfelt impression on passing revellers is Trinidadian Lisa Farrer, affectionately known as 'Carnival Aunty,' who is jumping with Gen XS.

Farrer has been part of the carnival spirit for more than 40 years. Just before Miami Carnival in 2022, she found a lump in her breast. With no family history of breast cancer, she still chose to trust her instincts and get a mammogram.

Having only a broad smile on her face sharing her heartfelt story, Farrer told THE STAR, "I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2022 when I was supposed to be attending Trinidad Carnival."

The following year, Farrer focused on her primary treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation. As of today, there is no evidence of cancer in her chest, and she remains hopeful.

When talking about being a reveller and managing her post-diagnosis, Farrer says "Soca and carnival have kept me[as well as] having a strong mental health".

Farrer shared that Jamaicans have been very welcoming of her and is encouraging early detections.

Since attending, the Trinidadian national rates Jamaica carnival a ten out of ten experience.