PITLOCHRY Senior Primary School will host the CANSA Mkhuhla Relay for Life 2015 (RFL) on Saturday, 21 February.
RFL is a 12-hour overnight event and it is volunteer-driven and owned by the community.
The RFL begins when the sun sets – this symbolises the time that the person has been diagnosed with cancer.
“The day is getting darker, and this represents the cancer patient’s state of mind as they feel their life is coming to an end.
“As the evening continues, it gets colder and darker, just as the emotions of the cancer patient do,” said Tracy Maharaj, a brand ambassador for CANSA.
“Around 1am to 2am represents the time when the patients start treatment; they become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on and possibly wanting to give up,” added Maharaj.
Four to 5am symbolises the coming of the end of treatment for the patient.
“The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient; they see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that life will go on.
“The morning light brings on a new day full of life and excitement for new beginnings.
“As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the relay is close,” said Maharaj.
The event is all about celebration, remembrance and fighting back.
The Mkhuhla CANSA Care-Home provides a residence for an average of six weeks to 28 cancer patients who are from the rural and outlying areas of Durban CBD, as well as transport to and from treatment centres and three meals a day, without imposing a fee on patients who cannot afford to contribute financially for the service rendered.
The home is also appealing for funds and donations to provide the patients with accommodation and comfort while receiving their treatment.
Contact Maharaj on 083 789 8050/email tmaharaj@telkomsa.net.
