Hope and resilience have pushed breast cancer survivor Nono Zwane to lace up her running shoes and raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) through the Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K and Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K.
As a Cansa Active ambassador, Zwane will raise R10K for the marathons. The Tshwane marathon will take place on August 25 and the Joburg marathon on September 24.
Diagnosed at 36, Zwane was determined to conquer the disease. Today, she stands proudly cancer-free.
Running the marathons and raising the funds promote the strong support system Cansa renders cancer patients and educates about the disease.
“I am proof that early detection and support can make a difference. I chose these events because Cansa is already the charity of the series, and running events promote health and wellness, aligning perfectly with Cansa’s mission to educate about cancer and encourage leading a balanced lifestyle. Participating in these runs emphasises the importance of fitness in lowering the cancer risk.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I know the importance of education, support, and access to care. Cansa provides a vital lifeline to those affected by cancer, offering a range of services from emotional support to practical assistance. By supporting Cansa, you’re helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone,” said Zwane.
She implored the public and runners to support her cause and run in solidarity to raise awareness of cancer, healthy living and, most importantly, support cancer patients.
“My journey has taught me that cancer does not discriminate, but with the right support, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. Let us run together, raise awareness, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. With your support, we can create a wave of change, or in this case, join the ‘Sea of Red’ and impact countless lives. Let’s run towards a cancer-free future,” said Zwane.
National corporate relations and sporting manager for Cansa, Leillani Geduld, told “The Star” they are honoured that Zwane is not only instilling awareness about cancer and early detection, but she is a symbol of hope to cancer survivors.
“We are very happy, excited and grateful to Nono with this initiative. Nono knows the impact of a cancer diagnosis when she hears the words ‘you have cancer’, and by sharing her story and her experience, she can help others to cope better. She serves as a symbol of hope to the community in how to overcome the challenge of living with cancer,” said Geduld.
Geduld applauded Zwane for giving back to the cause and detailed that the funds will help extend the services Cansa renders patients.
“All funds raised help educate communities as well as provide care and support initiatives provided by Cansa. The service extends to helping people affected by cancer through education, free tele-counselling screening, promoting early detection, counselling, support groups, wigs and prostheses among others. Funds are also allocated towards our Cansa Care Homes that provide a ‘home away from home’ for patients undergoing cancer treatment, mostly radiation treatment (as this takes place daily), in areas that are far away from where they live,” said Geduld.
People can help Zwane reach her goal and donate by clicking on the link:
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za