Heritage Day walk for cancer
'It took to be diagnosed with cancer to understand that it does not choose colour, age and gender among other things.'
With a sense of hope, purpose and determination, close to 80 people recently gathered at Len Rutter Park in support of a very special cause.
While most people used the public holiday as an opportunity to catch up on their beauty sleep before their Heritage Day celebrations, a dedicated group of early birds kick-started their day with a 5km Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/ Run.
The event was initiated and organised by Sheldene Masondo who is part of Cancervive, a unique and dynamic cancer awareness and education project that falls under the umbrella organisation of People Living With Cancer.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer I had no one to turn to who has gone through what I was experiencing at that time. I thought life had come to an end and I had no one to give me hope to believe that I could fight this battle. I didn’t even know that there were survivors,” she said.
“I don’t want others to go through the same experience of confusion, frustration, hopelessness and sadness. The idea is to share information and educate people about cancer, and that it is not a death sentence.”
On this day cancer warriors and supporters not only celebrated their cultural differences, but also those who survived cancer and continued to fight day after day.
“It took to be diagnosed with cancer to understand that it does not choose colour, age and gender, among other things. I chose Heritage Day to send a very strong message that, unfortunately, anyone can get cancer. We are all human and can be diagnosed with it,” Sheldene said.
Even though this was her first awareness event of this kind, she hopes that it was the birth of an annual event. She is also in the process of organising such events in various other areas too.
Sheldene is hoping to reach as many people and to share as much information as possible. She finds peace in the fact that she is surrounded by survivors who are living testimonies. As Cancervive their aim is to ensure that awareness is raised around the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms.
Of course, no Heritage Day could be called just that without a braai. After having walked their distance, all participants were rewarded with a well-deserved boerewors roll as well as some water, cold drink and sweets.
“I would like to mention and thank Shiela Ross from Astral, Rand Society of Model Engineers, City Parks, Princess Crossing Pick n Pay, aQuellé, PNA Horison and of course everyone who supported the cause on the day,” Sheldene said.
“Cancer is not a death sentence. Know your body and if you come across anything strange or foreign, consult a doctor. I fought cancer with all I had; yes, it was tough but my stubborn faith kept me going. If I can, you can – never give up.”
