Woman@Work salutes cancer survivors
FAMILIES from all parts of Johannesburg South and Alberton turned up in droves at the Fun Walk for CANSA 4km fundraising event hosted by Woman@Work at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, October 5.
Supporters came in their walking shoes and immediately took to the walking trail in support of those fighting the cancer battle and in memory of those who had been lost to this deadly disease.
“The aim was to bring people together to fight the fight of cancer,” said Woman@Work’s, Toni Mackrell.
The activities of the Fun Day started off with a Fun 4km or 8km loop Walk/Run hosted by Joburg Harriers Athletic Club volunteers inside the Farm at a cost of R10 with the money raised for CANSA. Participants were encouraged to dress in pink with hats and wigs.
October marked International Breast Cancer awareness month in South Africa. According to the Health Department, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among South African women, with the disease reported to be most common in White and Asian women, and is the second most common cancer found in Black and Coloured women.
For Alberton resident and mother of two, Elaine Engelbrecht, who was at the event with her children and mother Marge Engelbrecht, their support was deeply personal. Elaine revealed that she is living, and fighting a daily battle, with ovarian cancer.
“I feel it’s heart-warming seeing all of these people showing their support for cancer, I love that people who are surviving it [cancer] and still fighting the disease are also taking part,” said Elaine. “I hope that people will see that some people are struggling because of this disease and it encourages us to continue to support survivors of cancer.”
Unfortunately, Elaine couldn’t complete the walk and had to turn back because she began to feel weak, a little into the 4km walk. Grandma Marge said that her support was somewhat a double-barrel effort as she has also been robbed of someone close to her. “My daughter-in-law’s mother passed away last year because of cancer.”
CANSA, on women’s health, informs us that one in 394 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer (NCR 2005). “Finding the cancer early improves the chances that it can be treated successfully. Regular pelvic examinations are important but ovarian tumours may be hard to find early because the ovaries are deep within the body and not easily felt.”
Symptoms listed due to ovarian cancer include: swelling, bloated stomach, pelvic pressure or pain, having to urinate often, having trouble eating, feeling full quickly.
The atmosphere quickly moved to one of memorial and honour as people who had purchased a PINK helium Balloon for a donation of R20 gathered at the PINK helium Balloon Celebration, to celebrate their survival of cancer and for those wanting to remember those lost to cancer.
Afterward, the rest of the day was enjoyed by those who stayed for some arts and crafts shopping and the braai or picnic with their families and friends. Food and Drinks Stalls, Market Stalls, Pony Rides, Tractor Rides, Carnival Rides, Dance Shows were also available and a Dukes Dog Academy Agility Show was held in the afternoon.
