THE streets of Wismar and Mackenzie on Sunday became a sea of pink when hundreds of men, women and children came out to lend support to the annual Cancer Awareness Walk.
Along with survivors, other participants representing various organisations, NGOs, youth groups, along with their families, walked, ran, jogged, cycled and skipped as they wended their way along the route. Many of the participants also decorated their pink attire with hopeful words and slogans; others had the photos of their relatives and friends who have succumbed to the disease.
The Operating Theatre staff of the Linden Hospital Complex were the centre of attention with their military attire and encouraging chants to keep the faith, as persons can be victorious soldiers in the battle against cancer.
The activity commenced from two locations, the Wisroc Junction and Burnham Drive on the Wismar shore; it culminated at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on the Mackenzie shore, where a short programme was held.
The event, coordinated by the Women on the Move Cancer Awareness, was aimed at creating awareness of all forms of cancer including breast, cervical, skin, prostate and lung cancer. The activity also shed light on early detection and how both men and women can play their part in regular body checks. It was also one of the events that closed off the observation of Cancer Awareness Month.
At the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, sensitisation talks were conducted by medical personnel and prizes were presented to groups for the best banner, uniformity, best chants, oldest male and female finisher, best-dressed couple and the largest participating family. The Linden Hospital Complex emerged winners in the large group category, while uniformity went to the LHC’s Operating Theatre staff ;the Operating Theatre also copped the prize for the best chants, followed by the GECOM Linden Branch and the One Mile Health Centre.
This is the 18th year since the Women on the Move – Cancer Awareness Group has been hosting the event. Each year, it attracts a larger crowd, while more sponsors and recognised organisations have come on board. Regional officials including Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell; and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune also participated.
Cancer Awareness Month was observed in October and several organisations, NGOs, schools and individuals hosted walks and sensitisation activities in an effort to promote awareness. (DPI)
