Kickflipping the morning away

The word ‘cancer’ strikes fear to the core of most who hear it and yet, there is always a need for further education on the illness.

Cancervive is a survivor-driven project focused on cancer awareness and education. As October sees South Africa commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the group of survivors have held two huge awareness events hoping to reach as many people as possible. The second event of the two was held on Saturday, 10 October, and was focused on educating the youth of the Roodepoort community.

Sheldene Masondo, the organiser of the event, is also a cancer survivor and mother of three, so she works very closely with Cancervive to raise awareness and give hope to cancer patients. “My children wanted the youth to know about cancer and to see that you can beat it. I am testimony to that,” she explained.

Skateboard enthusiasts of all ages gathered in the parking lot of Horizon Village Shopping Centre to prepare for a mass ride to Princess Crossing Shopping Centre. The day started with a short cancer education talk and testimony from one of the many survivors in attendance, before a light-hearted and energetic attempt at the Jerusalema Challenge. The mass ride was led out by JMPD and followed closely by Netcare 911 paramedics. Each of the 85 participants and the many volunteers were rewarded with a delicious boerewors roll for lunch, and Pick n Pay kindly sponsored the drinks.

After the scrumptious lunch, the skateboarders tried their hand at winning some amazing prizes, through either the raffle or best-trick contest. Entrants stood the chance to win skate decks, grip tape, wheels, cosmetic bags, Puma sunglasses, and so many more. The amazing prizes were graciously donated by Skate Emporium, Skate Hub, Edith Venter Promotions, Wise Eyes, and the Soweto Skate Society.

“It was a beautiful and fulfilling experience,” said Sheldene, adding that she was touched by the support the youth showed for this event. “Cancer is curable if it is detected early. It’s not a death sentence, a curse or a punishment. You know your body – if anything is strange, don’t wait, get it checked out,” she concluded.