CANSA RFL2018: Newcastle walks in hope for a cancer free future

For each of the 22 teams entered into the relay event, held on Saturday (September 1) at Blackrock Casino, their energy was matched by the knowledge that their contributions would equal more research.

September 8, 2018

Zianne Leibrandt 1 minute read

RFL — Mona Maharaj with Suvesha Ramdas and Elisha Maharaj.

Despite building excitement at the 2018 CANSA Relay for Life (RFL) at the weekend, there was also a calmness among entrants.

ALSO READ: First team signed up for the CANSA Relay for Life

For each of the 22 teams entered into the relay event, held on Saturday (September 1) at Blackrock Casino, their energy was matched by the knowledge that their contributions would equal more research, home-based care, awareness projects, cancer screenings and workshops, all in the name of one day eliminating the disease.

So they walked, through the night until daylight finally broke.

This process is symbolic of being diagnosed with cancer, with relay teams pushing through the darkness and toughest hours, reaching out a hand for help until the darkness began to fade and light returned to the world.

RFL’s most emotional aspect was the luminarium ceremony, where candles were lit in memory of those who had passed on.

This year, Sathya Sai International Organisation South Africa (SSIO-SA) Northern KwaZulu-Natal officially joined forces with the South African

National Blood Service (SANBS), promoting the importance of fighting cancer and its parallel to the importance of donating blood.

Mona Maharaj said the RFL Committee considered the evening a huge success, with some teams made up of 50 members.

She thanked Blackrock Casino for being host and sponsor of this year’s RFL, and also extended her appreciation to sponsors, committee members, SANBS and relay teams for contributing to the success of the event.