Cancer survivors and supporters rev their engines

This year may be remembered for one specific illness but one should never forget the ever-present threat posed by cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what better way to send a message than roaring around town with the freedom of a motorcycle.

Cancervive held their annual ride to create awareness for breast cancer, 3 October. Escorted by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department vehicles, Netcare 911 and Think Bike, the motorcade made its way to several Spar Supermarkets around Roodepoort. Clad in their symbolic pink attire, the group performed the Jerusalema dance at Goldman Spar, Florida Junction Spar and Ruimsig Spar.

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Fittingly, the day would be organised by a survivor of the illness this month is honouring. Sheldene Masondo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 but it has been three years since she went into remission. The mother of three is in her second year with Cancervive and acknowledges the role they played in her recovery. “I met one of their members while doing chemo. They provided lots of support along the journey,” she said.

An innocuous accident while cleaning up one day alerted her to the lump in her breast. “The swelling didn’t go down and after a trip to the doctor I was diagnosed. It is so important that people get checked regularly because early detection is key, advised Sheldene. After overcoming the illness Sheldene and her loving husband, Mpumelelo were blessed with their third child.

Cancervive aims to tear down the stigma attached to cancers that invoke a sense of shame or embarrassment. Through proven educational programmes, they spread the message and remove any discrimination around the very personal ailment.