It was a homecoming of sorts for a South Carolina couple Wednesday as the Ministry of Tourism’s “People To People” Programme, in conjunction with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, surprised them with a special day to mark the couple’s 34th wedding anniversary.

Dave and Cindy Bozenski first visited The Bahamas in 1976.

Since then they have returned several times.

During their earlier visits the couple was able to forge long lasting relationships with many Bahamians through the “People To People” programme.

Their visit this time came while the couple is enjoying a cruise.

It also marks their first visit since Cindy was diagnosed and treated for anal cancer.

Back in 2002, Cindy learned she not only had cancer, but that it had spread to her lymph nodes and the cancer continued spreading quickly.

She underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and admits that she did not think she would survive.
In fact, Cindy says she gave up on living.

“The cancer spread so quickly and having to do chemo was not easy,” she said. “The treatment was horrible. If I had to do it again, I couldn’t…I just couldn’t.”

Cindy credits her husband’s love and support as well as the support she received from her family and friends for helping her get through treatment.

“It’s because of him,” she said pointing at Dave. “It’s because of him that I am here.”

Dave was actually aware that there would be a surprise waiting for them when they arrived here in The Bahamas, though he had no idea how grand a surprise it would be.

The couple was greeted at the port upon their arrival by Laverne Wildgoose of People To People, who also serves as president of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

They were then taken to the Cancer Society’s Cancer Care Unit on Collins Avenue where the couple was given a tour and presented with gifts to mark their wedding anniversary.

Their short visit ended with a lavish lunch spread filled with Bahamian delicacies at the Mrs. Wildgoose’s Foxdale home.
“I wanted this trip to be very memorable and I wanted to make sure they remember me and People To People – Nassau, Bahamas,” Mrs. Wildgoose said.

The couple said they plan to return The Bahamas very soon.