DEDICATED to those who have won, those still fighting – and those that lost the battle against cancer. This is what the CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) Global Relay fr Life is all about.
Taking place on Saturday, February 18, this annual event will celebrate cancer survivors and remember those that did not make it, all while creating awareness about, and raising funds for, cancer. Healthcare worker and cancer survivor, Penny Olwage, has participated in the relay for the past five years, and was diagnosed after the last event in April 2022.
“I have taken part in the Relay for Life event for the last five events. It has always been a fun way for me to make my friends aware of cancer and to help raise funds for CANSA.
“Last year, after the event, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and it has been a tough year. I have been through an operation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy,” said Olwage.
“Along with my family and friends, our local Cancer Association has been very supportive and helpful. I am very blessed to be able to take part this year, as a team leader and survivor.”
Olwage, who was also nominated as a Global Hero of Hope for 2023, said that the event offers the community the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer in a unique way.
“It can be very emotional, but is also very inspiring. The Relay for Life represents hope that those who are fighting cancer will be supported, those lost to cancer will never be forgotten and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”
“This event is very near to my heart. It is very important to promote cancer awareness and the early detection of cancer.
It is also very important to make people aware that cancer can be beaten. It is a great platform to raise awareness of cancer and how important it is to do the cancer checks for early detection. It is also a great way to honour cancer survivors and to show others that cancer can be beaten,” she added. This event does that in a fun and exciting way. My teams have grown from one to three teams.
The CANSA Global Relay for Life will commence at 18:00, and will be held at the Fairview Sports Centre in Willow Road. Events chair, Freda Botha, said that the relay, that takes place globally, invites survivors to come and be celebrated and honoured through special ceremonies and activities, including a Survivors’ Lap.
This is followed by a Caregivers’ Lap to recognise those who help cancer patients and loved ones in their journey. Following that is the Opening Lap where all the teams walk around the track with their banners displaying their team names.
“Teams of 10 – 15 people commit to keeping at least one member walking the track at all times because cancer never sleeps. Before the event each team commits by paying a registration fee and teams are also asked to raise funds for CANSA. Teams can set up team sites around the track with fundraising sites selling food and beverages. Teams are encouraged to socialise with other teams, play games, dance and participate in the activities available all while raising funds for cancer education, advocacy and cancer-screening programmes, as well as providing care and support,” Botha explained.
“There are many moments that bring the community together to remember loved ones lost. The Candle Lighting or Luminaria ceremony is when candles are lit inside paper bags and placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to remember and honour loved ones who have passed, or who are still fighting the disease.
“There is a silent lap of reflection after the candles are lit. These candles remain lit throughout the event until the closing ceremony. Luminaria bags are sold prior to the event. Bags can also be decorated by family members and friends. Individuals and teams at this event make new memories and friends by sharing stories and walking the track,” she said.
The entry fee is R600 per team (10 members). Each additional member costs R60 extra and a maximum of 15 members per team is allowed.
- For more information on the event, a meeting will be held at the Fairview Sports Centre tomorrow at 18:00 in the boardroom.
