Cancer survivors take to the road to bring hope and awareness

Over 50 people, including 30 cancer survivors, celebrities and supporters, will be taking part in the NGO People Living with Cancer (PLWC)'s annual colourful 2300km cancer awareness motorcycle ride from 6-15 September 2013. After conquering the mines and small towns in Mpumalanga last year, this colourful procession of motorbikes and brightly branded support vehicles will be travelling south this year, from Johannesburg to Cape Town reaching thousands of South Africans along the way.

A flagship event to help fight the disease

Whilst the Cancer.vive team works throughout the year to raise funds and fight the disease, the annual motorcycle ride remains the organisation's flagship event supported by their passionate sponsors Revlon, Caltex, Imperial and Triumph motorcycles.

Cancer.vive operational manager and cancer survivor, Frieda Henning, says it is a spectacular sight when their long procession roars into the small towns along the way: "In the rural villages, it is as if life comes to a standstill when we arrive. We are always welcomed with great enthusiasm and it's an exciting highlight when onlookers realise most of the bikers are women."

The education and awareness programmes of Cancer.vive target the early detection and treatment of all cancers, with the focus on the 'shy' 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. These cancers are known as the silent killers as they often go undetected for far too long due to a lack of knowledge, fear or shame.

Knowledge is key

Cancer affects millions of South Africans and is the leading cause of death globally. However, knowledge is the key to saving lives as 30% of all cancers can be prevented and treated if detected early.

At a recent International Cancer Conference held in Cape Town, Cancer.vive was applauded as one of the most dynamic cancer charity organisations in the world. Celebrities in South Africa such as Karen Zoid, Lillian Dube, Janie du Plessis, Myra Maud and Shimmy Isaacs to name but a few, have been inspired and have since pledged their patronage and support to this vibrant cancer awareness campaign.

The highlight of every visit to a small town or rural community, is the musical, theatrical and entertaining performances that precede the personal testimony and educational messages by survivors.

"We want all South Africans to understand what the risks and the signs are. We want our audiences to truly grasp the importance of self-examination, regular check-ups and the different treatments and support structures available," says Henning.

An effort to address the plight of millions

The team will be travelling through Gauteng, stopping in, amongst other places, at Potchefstroom, Kroonstad, Wolmaranstad, Bloemhof, Warrenton, Kimberley, Douglas, Prieska, Williston, Calvinia, Clanwilliam, Piketberg, Tulbach, Worcester, Villiersdorp, Bredasdorp, Somerset West and finally ending in Cape Town.

The Cancer.vive team members all have inspiring stories to tell and are living examples of how important early detection is and that every second of life is truly worth celebrating. Lillian Dube says: "We feel blessed and privileged to be survivors of cancer and can now make a difference by inspiring others."

Revlon SA is the key partner in this project. Proud managing director, Scott Maddock, says they are eager to once again be lending their support: "This initiative encourages people to talk to one another about this disease that is still so stigmatised in our country. We believe in speaking about cancer, debating and advocating at all levels with the relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the frightening statistics are reversed. At Revlon, we do not just care about peoples' looks, but we care about their lives and 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."

For more information, email az.oc.evivrecnac@ofni or go to www.cancervive.co.za.