Five-day walk helps raise cancer awareness
Over five days, 20 to 30 walkers covered 100km across Gauteng, ending with a community 5km fun run at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton.
Created in partnership with Cansa, the event was more than a physical challenge.
It aimed to raise critical funds for cancer support and give a voice to lesser-known forms of the disease.
Each day of the walk was dedicated to a different type of cancer, with walkers wearing colour-themed shirts to reflect the focus of the day.
Ordinary people, extraordinary effort
Elize Damon, the main organiser, explained what sets this walk apart from other fundraising efforts.
'It is not athletes doing this. These are ordinary people. Spending five days together creates a team spirit that carries you through every step,' she said.
Jaq Grobler, who is also a runner, took part in the full walk.
'Everyone had to dig deep. You test your strength, but also your ability to support others. That is what makes it so powerful,' he said.
Planning the 100km journey takes weeks of preparation.
'We map out the route, walk it ourselves and adjust as needed. We try to keep it manageable, but there are always hills and challenges,' said Damon.
Shinning a light all cancers
The route may be long, but the purpose behind it is what keeps participants going.
'There is so much attention on breast cancer, but others get forgotten. We want to change that. We want people to talk about prostate cancer, lung cancer and other cancers that also take lives,' Damon said.
Funds raised go directly to Cansa, an organisation that provides cancer education, counselling and care.
'Cansa does not get government funding. Events like this help them continue their work,' she said.
Growing community support
The community's response this year was stronger than before.
'More people showed up, more supported us. My hope is that next year even more diverse communities join in,' Damon added.
Personal reasons, powerful moments
For Helen Schumann, one of the walkers, the motivation was personal.
'My dad passed away from cancer. A close friend is fighting now. Walking for them means everything. It also reminds us that any one of us could be next,' she said.
Linda Murphy, a returning walker, said it is about unity.
'The best moments are when we are all together; walking side by side with one shared goal.'
How you can help
To support future walks or contribute to the cause, visit Cansa's website or follow the Strides 4 Hope walk Facebook page.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cansa urges women to prioritise uterine health during Women's Month
As South Africa marks Women's Month under the theme 'Building Resilient Economies for All', the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) calls on women to recognise that their health is central to their empowerment, productivity and wellbeing. Breast and cervical cancer remain the leading cancers affecting women in the country. Cansa continues to prioritise awareness, education and screening around these cancers. This year, the focus is on uterine health, an often overlooked but vital aspect of women's health, to encourage earlier detection, greater awareness and informed decision-making. ALSO READ: Support Cansa this Mandela Day by making your 67 minutes count 'The uterus is not just central to a woman's menstrual cycle,' said Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager: health programmes. 'It plays a crucial role in women's overall health. The challenge is that many women are unaware of common uterine conditions or dismiss symptoms as normal or something to endure quietly.' This Women's Month, Cansa urges women to prioritise annual check-ups, ask questions and seek clarity about any reproductive health concerns. Govender stressed that heavy bleeding, severe pain and persistent pelvic pressure are not simply 'part of being a woman'. These symptoms are warning signs that require attention. Understanding conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and hormonal disorders is key to protecting women's health and knowing when to act. One Johannesburg resident shared her story of experiencing symptoms including heavy bleeding, severe back pain and fatigue in 2023, not realising these were signs of uterine cancer. ALSO READ: Workplace wellness key to early cancer detection, says Cansa 'If I had known then what I know now, I would have advocated more strongly for myself during those gynaecological visits,' she said. Diagnosis was slow and frustrating. A tissue biopsy revealed pre-cancerous cells, and a gynaecologic oncologist quickly identified cancer and a tumour growing in her uterus. She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy in April this year. The final pathology confirmed stage 2 cancer. Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is the sixth most common cancer affecting women in South Africa (when including non-melanoma skin cancers). Despite this, awareness remains low. Mortality rates from uterine cancer have risen sharply over the past 20 years. As with any cancer, early detection improves outcomes. That is why Cansa encourages women, especially those aged 30 and older, to be proactive about their reproductive health. ALSO READ: Cansa launches WhatsApp channel for support Cansa lists factors that may increase the risk of uterine cancer. These include genetics, inability to conceive, infrequent menstrual cycles or starting menstruation before age 12, oestrogen replacement therapy without progesterone, diabetes, tobacco use, lack of exercise, obesity and alcohol use. Govender added that warning signs should never be ignored. These include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause), unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure, especially during intercourse or urination. 'If any of these symptoms appear or worsen, it is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible,' she said. Cansa's toll-free help desk on 080 022 6622 provides cancer support, information, counselling and referrals. The service includes telecounselling, access to Cansa Care Centres nationwide, medical equipment hire, wigs, support groups and Cansa Care Homes where patients can stay during treatment. Cansa also offers guidance for patients and survivors navigating the public healthcare system.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Five-day walk helps raise cancer awareness
The Strides 4 Hope Walk, which took place from July 22 to 26, united a group of ordinary individuals for an extraordinary cause. Over five days, 20 to 30 walkers covered 100km across Gauteng, ending with a community 5km fun run at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton. Created in partnership with Cansa, the event was more than a physical challenge. It aimed to raise critical funds for cancer support and give a voice to lesser-known forms of the disease. Each day of the walk was dedicated to a different type of cancer, with walkers wearing colour-themed shirts to reflect the focus of the day. Ordinary people, extraordinary effort Elize Damon, the main organiser, explained what sets this walk apart from other fundraising efforts. 'It is not athletes doing this. These are ordinary people. Spending five days together creates a team spirit that carries you through every step,' she said. Jaq Grobler, who is also a runner, took part in the full walk. 'Everyone had to dig deep. You test your strength, but also your ability to support others. That is what makes it so powerful,' he said. Planning the 100km journey takes weeks of preparation. 'We map out the route, walk it ourselves and adjust as needed. We try to keep it manageable, but there are always hills and challenges,' said Damon. Shinning a light all cancers The route may be long, but the purpose behind it is what keeps participants going. 'There is so much attention on breast cancer, but others get forgotten. We want to change that. We want people to talk about prostate cancer, lung cancer and other cancers that also take lives,' Damon said. Funds raised go directly to Cansa, an organisation that provides cancer education, counselling and care. 'Cansa does not get government funding. Events like this help them continue their work,' she said. Growing community support The community's response this year was stronger than before. 'More people showed up, more supported us. My hope is that next year even more diverse communities join in,' Damon added. Personal reasons, powerful moments For Helen Schumann, one of the walkers, the motivation was personal. 'My dad passed away from cancer. A close friend is fighting now. Walking for them means everything. It also reminds us that any one of us could be next,' she said. Linda Murphy, a returning walker, said it is about unity. 'The best moments are when we are all together; walking side by side with one shared goal.' How you can help To support future walks or contribute to the cause, visit Cansa's website or follow the Strides 4 Hope walk Facebook page.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Fifty-year-old stroke survivor fights to rebuild her life
Ballito's Shereen Laureau suffered a life-altering stroke at 50 and began a determined fight to reclaim her life. The mother of two was stripped of her independence overnight and forced to relearn even the most basic tasks of daily living. Before the stroke, Shereen was a fiercely self-reliant woman who managed everything for her daughters. But suddenly, she was the one who needed care. The stroke came shortly after she was admitted for a brain aneurysm in February this year. She lost the ability to speak, her right arm became dysfunctional and she struggled to walk. 'When I was discharged, I weighed just 36 kilogrammes,' she said. At first no one could understand a word she said, a deeply isolating experience. But Shereen refused to give up. She gave everything to her recovery, undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and speech therapy. 'My boss, Daniel van der Westhuizen from Globalem, paid for all these sessions and I am so grateful for his assistance,' she said. Shereen had worked remotely as his personal assistant for over two years. Just this past Friday, she attended her final physiotherapy session, a milestone she once believed was out of reach. Her speech therapist had initially predicted she would only be able to hold a full conversation by next year. But since starting her recovery journey in March, she has made remarkable progress. 'I would not be where I am today if it was not for their help,' said a tearful Shereen. 'God saved me, and now I have to do everything I can to get better.' Her road to recovery has not been easy. Some days she spoke clearly, while on others, she woke up unable to utter a word. Still, she persisted. She curled her own hair, burning her hands in the process, until she got it right. She cooked meals, refusing to stay in bed or surrender to her condition. Her daughter, Sheriece Whyte (26), could not be more proud. 'She fought for my sister and me. This journey tested us and brought us closer as a family,' said Sheriece. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
