About the Cancer.vive ride

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2 About Cancer.vive We are a group of people who feel blessed and privileged to be survivors of cancer. We want to make a difference by helping other people also survive this disease by early detection and appropriate treatment. To achieve our goal, we joined forces with PLWC (People living with Cancer), an existing cancer related Not for Gain Organisation (NGO). We educate, create awareness and raise funds throughout the year but our main event is an annual 7-day motorcycle ride covering different parts of the country. The current education and awareness Cancer.vive does is specifically aimed at the so-called shy cancers the cancers that most people find it difficult to talk about. These cancers often go undetected because of fear, stigmas, cultural taboos and lack of knowledge. The shy cancers include breast, ovarian, testicular, prostate and colo-rectal cancer. Early detection and appropriate treatment is crucial to survival. We emphasise this since many of the survivors are living proof of being able to celebrate life because we recognized the symptoms, knew what to look for and received the appropriate treatment.

3 About the Cancer.vive ride This annual ride sees cancer survivors taking to the open road on motorbikes to rural communities and small towns to raise awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of especially the shy cancers. More than 50 people, including 25 cancer survivors, make up the entourage. Lillian Dube and Janie du Plessis are two well-known South Africans who were also part of the ride again this year (most of the riders are women). They also had Myra Maud (French singer) and John Sithole (well-known choreographer) adding their flair this year. The team visited cities, towns both large and small and remote villages with the aim to educate, create awareness, identify and put people in touch with support systems; not only for people who have, or are survivors of cancer, but also their families and friends a support network.

4 Some Media Highlights Cancer.vive has educated over people face-to-face on early detection tips, since it started in 2011 Millions of people have been reached through the 35 radio interviews which took place before, during and after the ride. There were a number of TV appearances for Cancer.vive, including kyknet, Morning Live, 3Talk With Noeleen, Soweto TV, Dr Mol Show and an international show which aired in Brazil. There have been hundreds of print and online articles helping spread awareness about Cancer.vive and early detection tips. LEAD SA and Kfm radio personality, Charmaine Noy, highlighted our cause to hundreds of thousands of its listeners, readers and social media fans by running with a dedicated support campaign. An excellent events company made sure that all the sponsors branding was rigged at the shows before we arrived. We were joined by 14 journalists along the road who joined us in their local town. The Publicity value of the coverage from the ride is currently R ,71

5 Some Highlights Raynolda Makhutle two-time survivor and an activist in her community This incredible woman volunteers her time and spends her days in the community clinics and hospitals educating people on early detection tips. She has become a dedicated activist for Cancer.vive and is a member of the management team. Between March and mid-september, she alone has seen people face-to-face and educated them about early detection tips. The work she does and results she achieves is quite astounding and it is our greatest dream to be able to fund her activities since currently, we are only able to supply a stipend of R2 000 per month to cover her petrol costs.

6 The Cancer Buddies Project Some Highlights This project carefully matches and individually pairs a newly diagnosed person touched by cancer with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Cancer Buddy) Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive one-on-one connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the cancer experience. The service is free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage or level, at any age, living anywhere in South Africa. The annual bike ride facilitates growth of this programme as Linda Greef visited many hospitals along the way while the rest of the survivors were doing the educational shows Linda was able to set-up many Cancer Buddies groups in the rural areas and giving those who have been diagnosed with cancer, hope and a network of support through a very difficult time.

7 Some Highlights Invitations we have received We were invited to be a Cancer ambassador in New York in June 2011, to advocate South Africa s Cancer issues at the United Nations. We received an invitation to the National Deportment of Health NCD Summit in Brakpan prior to United Nations meeting, this was a national networking opportunity and insight into South Africa s cancer issues and politics. Invitation to attend UICC conference in China as the guest of the American Cancer Society. PLWC attended the Live strong world summit in Ireland as guest of Livestrong. Lobbying at Government Level Active lobbying for inclusion of cancer on the National Health agenda, with National and Region Departments of Health Foreign Affairs Minsters and government agencies. At least 10 state patients were assisted in getting access to urgently needed treatment in state hopitals, after a long waiting time by means of advocacy intervention with the National Department of Health. PLWC voices concern in the press and media re machine breakdowns and lack of chemotherapy medication in state hopitals. Poor patient care was also reported to National Dept. of Health via a ministerial appeal to attend to patients rights. We have lobbied for the implementation of a National Cancer advisory committee to the national minster of Health and this has now been created and is being set up. After years of lobbying about a cancer registry that is needed in SA, this has now been legislated but not yet properly implemented yet and thus needs further lobbying.

8 Some Highlights Educational Programmes and Support Groups Assisted with development and provided training of the Baragwananath Hospital Buddy group. The Kagiso Educational programme was developed. Can-Sir which was formed by men, for men, to be the organisation of choice for men to turn to when they have been diagnosed with cancer. Funding of the three Groote Schuur support groups within the oncology department. We launched the Lend your Hand Cancer Awareness bracelet. The bracelet is a reminder to the person wearing it, to be cancer aware and to go for the relevant tests annually.

9 Some of the fundraising events Cancer.vive works throughout the year to raise funds for early detection of cancer. Spar Community Day in Namibia Spar Womens Day in Namibia Kingswood Golf Day in George Spar Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Cape Town Cancer Awareness Charity Golf Day in Parys Celebrate Life French Style in Jhb High Tea in Parys Celebration of Life Walk in George Prayers for Angels Motorcycle Fun Ride in Australia Fifty Shades of Pink in The United States Zumba Day in Cape Town

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