Spirits were high as members of the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness ride pulled out of Pretoria yesterday morning in a flurry of pink biking gear and growling motorcycle engines. Family, friends and supporters waved them off on the start of their 10 day journey across the northern parts of South Africa where they will be spreading awareness about breast cancer to rural communities.
The purpose of the Journey of Hope ride is to convey a positive and hopeful message regarding breast cancer in a unique and vibrant way. This is done through a group of breast cancer survivors travelling on Honda motorcycles and sharing the stories of their individual battles with breast cancer whilst highlighting the importance of early detection. This year the team is joined by two male breast cancer survivors who are sharing the message that men can get breast cancer too.
Day one saw the group travelling from Pretoria to Hazyview via Emalahleni and Waterval Boven. They were escorted by Think Bike marshals and joined en route by various biking communities who rode along for part of the route to show their support. At Waterval Boven the Survivors addressed the local community on the importance of early detection of breast cancer. “It is important for people to know that breast cancer can be treated, and it can be beaten, as long as it is detected early enough,” said Timothy Mlenje, breast cancer survivor and member of the 2011 Journey of Hope Team. “They also need to know that state funding is available for treatment in cases where the patient can’t afford to pay. Many women will avoid visiting the clinic for financial reasons,” he explained.
Today the Journey of Hope riders hit the open road again travelling from Hazyview to Tzaneen via Pilgrims Rest, Graskop and Blyde River. Presentations were given at The Oaks clinic and at the Maake Centre in Tzaneen.
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