Life is the adventure of existence. It’s a journey we embark on facing uncountable challenges and experiences along the way. Unfortunately, not everyone will have it the easy way around. One such reason is Cancer. The word itself carries an unbearable weight sending shivers down your spine. Millions of people around the world are struck with nothing but fear and uncertainty. It’s a battle one does not choose to fight alone.
According to the latest updates, 19.3 million new cancer cases had been identified globally with an estimate of 10 million people dead worldwide. Within the Sri Lankan context, nearly 32,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year. These statistics are not just a few digits, these are the lives of people who did not deserve to undergo such an excruciating pain. Cancer not only affects the patients but also those who are right beside them hoping and praying every single day for the betterment of their loved ones. There is so much we can do to ensure a speedy recovery process for them.
In the battle against this relentless disease, charity events contribute as an effective tool to raise funds as well as awareness, supporting a number of patients across the globe. Therefore, once again the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown, serving the nation with a passion and purpose, successfully brought together the much awaited charity event “Run For Their Lives” on the 25th of February, 2024 for the 11th consecutive time. In aid of the Apeksha Hospital, the National Cancer Institute in Maharagama, this event comprises of a 5km annual charity run with a generous objective to raise awareness about the helpless souls stricken with cancer in Sri Lanka. Regularly, individuals from the ages below 17, to ages above 35 have been taking part in this sympathetic cause. Essentially, RFTL persuades the public to contribute for charitable causes in an enthusiastic manner. Without failure, the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown united over 3500 runners this year as well, in the fight against cancer by providing an entertaining day filled with quick games and photo opportunities along with the access to pre-ordered merchandise inclusive of T-shirts, bottles, mugs and more. RFTL is a highly reputed charity run with over 300 organizations, corporate leaders and celebrities assisting this cause. Moreover, the club has been able to raise over Rs. 40 million in contribution to the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, throughout the years.
Hence, charity events empower advocates to become a part of the change in cancer care. Amidst the frustration of living through this fatal disease, programs such as RFTL serve as a ray of hope and inspiration for affected individuals. The collective power of individuals and the communities brought together sheds light on a burden free future particularly for cancer patients. With the theme of World Cancer Day, 2024 in mind by “uniting our voices and taking action” remind each other to stand together with compassion for events such as RFTL to help navigate relentless lives into a world without cancer.
Rtr. Risandi Jayatilleke