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Cancer survivors Triumph on two wheels

(Cape Town, 22 June 2013) The wheels are once again in motion for another spectacular Cancer.vive tour, sponsored by Revlon, which sees cancer survivors taking to the open road on Triumph motorcycles to spread a powerful and passionate message of hope and awareness.

 Over 50 people, including 30 cancer survivors, celebrities and supporters, will be taking part in the NGO People Living with Cancer (PLWC)’s annual colourful 2300km cancer awareness motorcycle ride from 6 – 15 September. After conquering the mines and small towns in Mpumalanga last year, this colourful procession of motorbikes and brightly branded support vehicles will be travelling south this year, from Johannesburg to Cape Town reaching thousands of South Africans along the way.

Whilst the Cancer.vive team works throughout the year to raise funds and fight the disease, the annual motorcycle ride remains the organisation’s flagship event supported by their passionate sponsors Revlon, Caltex, Imperial and Triumph motorcycles.

Cancer.vive Operational Manager and cancer survivor, Frieda Henning says it’s a spectacular sight when their long procession roars into the small towns along the way.  “In the rural villages, it is as if life comes to a standstill when we arrive. We are always welcomed with great enthusiasm and it’s an exciting highlight when onlookers realise most of the bikers are women.”.

The education and awareness programmes of Cancer.vive target the early detection and treatment of all cancers, with the focus on the ‘shy’ cancers which, due to social or cultural stigmas, people are hesitant to talk about. The so-called shy cancers include testicular, cervical, prostate, ovarian, breast and colon cancer. These cancers are  known as the silent killers as they often go undetected for far too long due to a lack of knowledge, fear or shame.

The message is clear…

Cancer affects millions of South Africans and is the leading cause of death globally.  However, knowledge is the key to saving lives as, 30% of all cancers can be prevented and treated if detected early.

At a recent International Cancer Conference held in Cape Town, Cancer.vive was applauded?/hailed? as one of the most dynamic cancer charity organisations?/campaigns? in the world. Celebrities in South Africa such as Karen Zoid, Lillian Dube, Janie du Plessis, Myra Maud and Shimmy Isaacs to name but a few, have been inspired and have since pledged their patronage and support to this vibrant cancer awareness campaign.

The highlight of every visit to a small town or rural community, is the musical, theatrical and entertaining performances that precede the personal testimony and educational messages by survivors.

 “We want all South Africans to understand what the risks and the signs are. We want  our audiences to truly grasp  the importance of self-examination, regular check-ups and the different treatments and support structures available” says Frieda Henning.

The team will be travelling through Gauteng, stopping in among others  Potchefstroom, Kroonstad, Wolmaranstad, Bloemhof, Warrenton, Kimberley, Douglas, Prieska,  Williston, Calvinia, Clanwilliam, Piketberg, Tulbach, Worcester, Villiersdorp, Bredasdorp, Somerset West and finally end in Cape Town.

The Cancer.vive team members all have inspiring stories to tell and are living examples of how important early detection is and that every second of life is truly worth celebrating. Lillian Dube says: “We feel blessed and privileged  to be survivors of cancer and can now make a difference by inspiring others”.

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