Dare to enter this year’s Cansa Relay for Life

Date: 27 February 2015 By: Isabel Venter

You are needed for this year’s Cansa Relay for Life, but time is running out for teams to enter.

Louis Trichardt's Relay organisers have called on residents to support their efforts.

This year’s Relay will start at 18:00 on 13 March and continue until 06:00 the following day (14 March), with Louis Trichardt High School once again making their sports grounds available for this community event.

Entered teams attended a last-minute meeting on Monday to confirm details for the coming event. During the meeting, organiser Mr Dirk Meissenheimer asked the public to be patient with any noise that might be caused by the event. As part of the Relay, there will be music and announcements throughout the night.

Over the past four years, residents have shown unprecedented support for this project, and Meissenheimer challenged others who have never participated to enter.

The Cansa Relay for Life is about showing support to people who have overcome cancer or who have cancer. Support is shown by spending a whole night walking with them. “Cancer is an ever-continuing battle, which is an especially difficult one to face alone at night, and that is why we walk,” said Meissenheimer.

At this year’s event, for the first time ever, one of Cansa’s big sponsors, Weetbix, will attend the event. In addition, the eTV channel will also have a camera crew at the relay to film it for a television spot. There will also be a state-of-the-art mobile Cansa screening clinic where participants can undergo cancer screenings. Some of the tests will be free, while some will be available at a reduced price.

Various local artists and talents shows will also be held on the hour to keep walkers awake. Food, cool drink and coffee booths will be open for business throughout the night. No alcohol, drugs or smoking will, however, be allowed on or near the track while the relay is in progress. “If you are a smoker, you can bring extra cash because we will fine you if you are caught,” said Meissenheimer.

Money collected by means of entry fees or by participants collecting on behalf of their teams will be donated to Cansa.

Cansa uses the money to care for and support victims (care groups and homes), do cancer screening (cancer detection tests) and educate adults and children about the value of early cancer detection.

During 2014, Cansa SA was able to use donations to support more than 6 000 cancer patients through their 110 nationwide support groups and give thousands of volunteers training. They were also able to provide treatment to 335 lymphoedema patients and make medical loan equipment available to almost 4 400 people. (A more detailed report can be found by visiting www.cansa.org.za).

Teams that still want to enter, can contact Nicky at 084 600 0679 or Dirk at 082 789 3927.

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

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