Cancer survivors take to tracks in relay for life

Alicia English|Published 1 month ago

Cancer survivors will take part at the CANSA Relay for Life event at Stephen Reagan Sports Field in Westridge from February 7 to 8. The family event is open to individuals and teams.

Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Relay for Life Mitchell’s Plain is gearing up for its annual relay event, which takes place at Stephen Reagan Sport Field in Westridge from 6pm on Friday February 7 until 6am on Saturday February 8.

Fadwa Walker, CANSA regional sustainability coordinator, said the relay is an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, to remember those who have died and create awareness about cancer.

“CANSA Relay For Life is a moving celebration of cancer survivorship. Survivors from the community are invited to attend the CANSA Relay For Life event as VIPs, where they are celebrated and honoured through special ceremonies and activities,” Ms Walker said.

The participation fee for the overnight relay event is R85 per person and R1 000 for teams of 10 to 15 people. Entry fee for supporters, who need to exit the event at midnight, is R20 for children and R30 for adults.

“Individuals and teams camp out overnight at a CANSA Relay For Life, making new friends and memories, sharing their stories while all the while at least one team member must be on the track all through the night,” Ms Walker explained.

Cancer survivors will be welcomed and acknowledged during the opening survivors’ lap to kickstart the relay. They will also share their stories of hope to inspire those who have cancer.

“CANSA Relay For Life offers newly diagnosed survivors the opportunity to meet and interact with other cancer survivors who have beaten cancer and gives patients who are undergoing treatment the chance to share experiences with others.

“They also learn about the health awareness, advocacy, cancer screening plus care and support programmes that CANSA offers to those affected by cancer,” Ms Walker said.

“Relayers take a pledge during a Fight Back ceremony to take action and spread awareness about cancer education, advocacy, screening as well as care and support programmes. This is all to help build a world without cancer,” she added.

Cansa Relay for Life Mitchell’s Plain meets at Westridge High at 9am on Saturdays. For more information about this weekend’s event, contact Saadiqa Abrahams on 061 494 1413 or Ms Walker on 021 689 5347.

CANSA Relay For Life Mitchell’s Plain members will be painting Stephen Reagan Sports Field pink and purple for this year’s annual relay event, in which cancer patients and survivors take to the track throughout the night to raise awareness.