NON-PROFIT organisation (NPO) Rainbows and Smiles is urging residents to support this September’s Run for a Reason campaign.
The charitable foundation provides emotional and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers.
This month, they are asking supporters to don their neon, retro gear and support their fundraising virtual event by running, cycling or walking 5km/10km for a child battling cancer.
Bonnie Suckling said the international event is aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer.
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“This upbeat event is a celebration of children who are living with cancer. We put a full day aside to honour them, to pray for their survival and to remind them that they have a family of ‘athletes’ rooting for them. We share the individual child’s journey with cancer to advocate and educate people about cancer. People who would like to take part can do so in a number of ways – they can run, walk, skip, jump or cycle. All that is needed is a R350 donation which goes towards the campaign. Last year, we raised around R350 000, but more importantly, we raised a community that is continuing to support us,” she said.
Suckling said that on the final day of September, they intend to run in memory of all children who have died from childhood cancer.
Fellow supporter and member of the NPO, Nadia Lewis, said the campaign has special significance for her.
“Two weeks before my son passed away from cancer, I was introduced to Bonnie, and my life changed forever. We related so much, and we spoke the same language as she’d also lost her son to cancer.
“Through this journey, Rainbows and Smiles supported me. I’ve seen how much they have impacted my life, and I wanted to do the same for other parents who are in a similar position. With the Run for a Reason campaign, participants get to know the children through each story. People are also learning about childhood cancer and warning signs, and as we know, early detection is key in the fight against cancer,” Lewis said.
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Good to know
The goal is to run/walk 5km/10km every day in September or on a specific day with the aim of donating R350 towards the NPO’s cause. If you would like to support the campaign, you can enter online at www.rainbowsandsmiles-sa.org.za. The first 800 entries will receive a limited edition headband and a LEGO surprise.
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