Miracle teenager tackles Cycle4Cansa to support his favourite teacher
The Vorster family’s ‘journey’ with cancer started twenty years ago when Leonora’s mother, Ria was diagnosed with breast cancer, which quickly spread to her bones and lungs
Completing the road race at the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa later this month will be a walk in the park for 15-year-old school boy Kobus Vorster compared to what he and his family have been through over the past 20 years.
The Vorster family from eMalahleni knows adversity well.
Kobus, who attends Curro Bankenveld had a stroke when he was just two years old.
“We believe to this day that it’s a miracle that Kobus is alive,” says his mom, Ms Leonora Vorster.
Kobus started mountain-biking three years ago and now represents Curro Bankenveld in the sport.
“Kobus’ favorite teacher, Ms Lachelle Herbst was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and started chemotherapy a week ago.
It has really affected him, and he has decided to ride the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa to support his beloved teacher.
“He is dedicating his ride to her and will also give his medal to her,” she said.
The Vorster family’s ‘journey’ with cancer started twenty years ago when Leonora’s mother, Ria was diagnosed with breast cancer, which quickly spread to her bones and lungs.
“She fought the disease for nine years before eventually passing away 11 years ago,” she added.
Leonora has since completed the Comrades Marathon and 94 Cycle Challenge to raise awareness for cancer and on August 25 it’s Kobus’ turn to get in on the act.
When Bestmed Cycle4Cansa race organizer, Mr Mauritz Meyer heard about their special story, he contacted Leonora and assured her that the organization will make an extra medal available to Kobus so that he also has a memento of his ride.
“The disease has a different personal meaning and effect on everyone,” says Meyer. “Cycle4Cansa provides a platform for these voices to be heard and causes to be supported.
“We’d like to call on everyone to support the Cycle4Cansa cause. Besides funds generated through the organization and sponsorships, many riders take part on the back of personal fund-raising or awareness initiatives. They support a friend or family member in need or who suffers with the disease. We assist as much as possible to create awareness for them through our channels and we request everyone with a special story to get in contact with us,” he added.
According to Meyer the entry figures for the weekend festival continue to grow, and a significant contributor to the growth remains the support from the cancer community.
Cycle4Cansa is now in its 22nd year of presentation and entries for the road races are limited to 4 000 participants while the mountain-bike events can accommodate up to 1 500 riders.
*For more information in regards of Cycle4Cansa please visit: www.cansalostcity.co.za
www.hecticpromotions.co.za
www.cansa.org.za or join their Facebook page @cycle4cansa
