Zimpapers Cancer Walk oversubscribed
HUNDREDS of people yesterday thronged the Old Hararians Sports Club for the 8th edition of the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk.
The walk is an annual fundraising event organised by Zimpapers, Zimbabwe’s largest integrated media group, to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention, treatment and support.
This year’s edition ran under the theme “Close the Care Gap”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk, Zimpapers chief executive Mr Pikirayi Deketeke said the turnout this year shows that the event was growing.
“So, we had a fantastic turnout today. It was really pleasing that year by year, we seem to be growing not just in Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, and Mutare . . . it’s amazing how people are just responding.
“I hope that we are making an impact in creating awareness and that those tested early are managing their condition.
“Sponsorships have been great, and more and more people are joining in the campaign.”
Zimpapers public relations and corporate communications manager (digital and publishing) Mrs Pauline Matanda called on people to undergo regular checks for detection of the development of cancer at an early stage.
Cancer survivors who spoke to The Sunday Mail said the event was an excellent initiative.
Ovarian cancer survivor Ms Tinashe Chihwayi urged the Government to intervene to lower the cost of treatment.
“If the Government can introduce an initiative like the AIDS Levy for cancer, it will help a lot of people, especially those who don’t have access to medication.
“I think it’s important to introduce a cancer levy, which will go a long way in assisting those affected by cancer. “When I was doing chemotherapy, I needed something like US$850 every 21 days and it’s not everyone who can afford that,” she said.
Added Ms Chihwayi: “I survived cancer for 12 years but I am looking forward to more years on earth.”
“Today, I walked 10 kilometres and my body was so tired by the time I reached 7km.
“I wanted to quit but I remembered the days I was doing chemotherapy, where the body would be tired because you are sick, but the mind kept you going.”
Breast cancer survivor Ms Regnice Gutsa said more needed to be done to raise cancer awareness.
She said she was diagnosed 17 years ago at the age of 38.
“Those who are in my state, please don’t listen to what people say but rather follow what the doctors say,” she said.
“A lot of people misinform others and discourage those who are sick by saying if you have cancer, you are already dead.”
The event was supported by corporates such as West Property, the anchor sponsor; FBC Holdings; and Sunny Yi Feng, the platinum and gold sponsors, respectively.
Other sponsors included the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, Karorina’s Wellness Spar, the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, ZimSwitch, Mackay, Hybrid Travel and Tours, Tsebo, Micour Visions, Steiner Afriqa, Rue’s Paper Flowers, Blaq Impressions Media, Zorro Trained, Premier Service Medical Aid Society, and Ambulance Care and Evacuation.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in Mashonaland West province was held in Chinhoyi.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo headlined the event.
She lauded the Chinhoyi community for embracing the first-ever Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in the town, which attracted hundreds of people.
“I am glad that Chinhoyi has embraced the idea, let us keep it up as we rally behind President Mnangagwa’s call for people to build their nation. “You have shown that you can help build Zimbabwe in taking part in this initiative.”