The wheels are in motion for this year’s Cancer.vive tour which sees cancer survivors taking to the open road on motorcycles to spread a powerful and passionate message of hope and awareness. Over 50 people, including 25 cancer survivors, are taking part in the annual ride between 22 and 29 September.
Whilst the Cancer.vive team works throughout the year to raise funds and fight the disease, the annual motorcycle ride is the NGO People Living With Cancer’s (PLWC) flagship event. It aims to educate and raise awareness about cancer prevention and support among thousands of South Africans in in a new and dynamic way.
This year French singing sensation Myra Maud will be lending her talents and charm, while multi-talented South African dancer and award-winning choreographer, John Sithole, promises to get the crowds on their feet.
They will also be joined by South African celebrities and cancer survivors, Lillian Dube and Janie du Plessis, as part of the team taking the road.
Cancer.vive Operational Manager and cancer survivor, Frieda Henning says it’s a spectacular sight when their long procession roars into a town. “We are always welcomed with great enthusiasm and it’s an exciting highlight when onlookers realise most of the bikers are women.”
Cancer affects millions of South Africans and is the leading cause of death globally. However, 30% of all cancers can be prevented and treated if detected early, but knowledge is the key.
“Our education and awareness programmes target the early detection and treatment of all cancers, but we specifically focus on those cancers which, due to social or cultural stigmas, people are hesitant to talk about. The so-called shy cancers include testicular, cervical, prostate, ovarian, breast and colon cancer.” Frieda explains.
Last year’s ride saw the Cancer.vive team making their way from Johannesburg to Cape Town and covering a distance of about 2,400 kilometres. This year the team will travel through Gauteng and Mpumalanga, stopping in among others Soweto, Witbank, Sabie, Nelspruit and Mantongomane.
“The initiative is not only focused on big cities and towns, but we specifically visit rural areas, small towns and remote villages where communities are often unaware of the facts, have limited access to health care and are too afraid or shy to speak out about cancer,” she continues.
Frieda says Cancer.vive is a way of life for each and every team member and supporter.
“The Cancer.vive team members are living examples of how important early detection is and that every second of life is worth celebrating. We feel blessed and privileged to be survivors of cancer who can make a difference by inspiring others and by helping them to be brave enough to stand up against the disease as well.” she concludes.
Scott Maddock, Managing Director of Revlon South Africa and the title sponsor of the Cancer.vive ride, says they are proud to once again be lending their support: “This initiative creates awareness, educates and encourages people to talk to one another about a disease that is still so stigmatised in our country.”
How you can support Cancer.vive:
• kykNET will be airing a documentary on last year’s Cancer.vive motorcycle road trip on Sunday 2 September 2012 at 4pm. Tune in to get a glimpse of all the inspirational stories of hope and survival and what the 2012 trip will entail.
• Show your support for this inspiring initiative by liking Cancer.vive on Facebook or follow them on Twitter
• Assist the Cancer.vive team with their fundraising efforts by attending one of their fundraising events or by making an online donation.
• Find out how you can host your own fundraising event in support of the 2012 ride.
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For more information, contact Frieda Henning on 082 335 4912 or 044 802 0420 or email info@cancervive.co.za