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.
This year French singer Myra Maud will be a part of the Cancer.vive ride, while South African dancer and award-winning choreographer, John Sithole, promises to get the crowds on their feet. South African celebrities and cancer survivors, Lillian Dube and Janie du Plessis, are part of the team of riders.
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. They are known as the silent killers as they often go undetected for far too long due to a lack of knowledge, fear or shame," 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.
"We want all South Africans to understand what the risks and the signs are. We want them to realise the importance of self-examination, regular check-ups and the different treatments and support structures available. Between us, the riders speak seven languages, which means communities will receive the Cancer.vive message of hope and support in their mother tongue," she says.
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 - the title sponsor of the Cancer.vive ride - says it is proud to once again be lending its 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. We believe in speaking about cancer, debating and advocating at all levels with relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the frightening statistics are reversed. At Revlon, we do not just care about people's looks, but we care about their lives. We will continue to ensure that the plight of millions of people, that do not have access to even the most basic treatment facilities, is addressed."
The entourage's motorcycles are supplied by Triumph, and vehicle support is courtesy of Imperial Ford and Mazda. Caltex will keep the tanks and the team's tummies full on the road.
