Belize City, October 4th 2012-The first lady of our nation, Kim Simplis Barrow, is once again featured in the October issue of American way, American Airlines’ popular inflight magazine. The piece chronicles Barrow’s battle with stage three breast cancer, in an article dubbed, “The Fighter”.
Across the world, October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a tribute to millions who have fought the disease, the magazine highlights Mrs. Barrow’s
resiliency. Editor of the magazine, Adam Pitluk, writes, “Kim Simplis Barrow is our friend.” Undoubtedly, it is a description that every Belizean can attest to. Whilst she has been a champion for the Belizean people, Kim’s truest test came when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
On an arduous journey of stage three of the illness, Kim had to endure chemo radiation
which led to heart complications. Speaking of her struggles, Kim said, “I felt an overwhelming sadness. I saw my life and all my plans coming to a halt.” But as Pitluk articulated, Mrs. Barrow’s life and plans never stopped, for she has continued tirelessly in her role as Special Envoy for Women and Children with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The story, albeit touching, speaks of Kim’s inner strength and positive outlook on life. In short, Pitluk highlighted Kim’s work, accomplishments and ultimately, her trademark- a winning personality with a fighter’s spirit. Kim’s advice to women fighting the disease, “Do not be daunted by the clouds that share the sun–filled sky of your recuperation. They will move and shift as time goes on”.
American Airlines flies more people across the world than any other airline. American Way is the inflight magazine available on all AA flights. This multi-award winning magazine introduces travellers to many aspects of the American living including lifestyle, entertainment, travel, business, technology. A staple of the publication is its celebrity profile feature, which in this issue, tells the story of breast-cancer survivor, Christina Applegate.
Kim was also featured in the June 15th, 2009 issue of the magazine. To learn more about this article, you can visit the magazine’s website at www.americanwaymag.com and view the full magazine once it has been released.
About the Belize Tourism Board
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Culture. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector – including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association – and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country’s unique attractions to travellers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets.
The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instil high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize.org.