Cancer facilities in the Eastern Cape were given a major boost this week when radio station Algoa FM handed over a cheque for R380 000 to the Igazi Foundation.
The Foundation is the beneficiary of last year’s Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer.
The 5km walk is in its 18th year. Participants walk in memory and support of people affected by cancer.
According to Dr Neil Littleton, the founding member of the Igazi Foundation, the funds would be used to support the ongoing upgrades and improvements of medical equipment and other facilities at the Oncology wards at the Provincial Hospital.
“We’ve been successfully hosting this event for the past 17 years in support of people affected by cancer, but since we partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Health last year we were able to make a greater impact through the two-month long cancer awareness campaign on Algoa FM that preceded the event”, says managing Director at Algoa FM, Dave Tiltmann.
Although these funds would make a big difference in continuing the upgrades to the facility, the reality is that the work required is endless and continuous support is necessary, Littleton said.
According to the 2010 statistics of National Cancer Registry of South Africa, one in six South African men and one in seven South African women will become cancer sufferers.
“Fortunately more people are surviving cancer here than ever before, due to better technologies and access to healthcare services. Although this is heartening, it remains a challenge to continue to educate and diagnose early in order to improve outcomes,” he said.
Planning for this year’s Big Walk for Cancer event is already underway.
This year’s 5km walk will take place on Saturday, 29 October in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.
“On-route, walkers participate in fun and memorable activities while enjoying the picturesque view of the beach. The adventure finishes on a high note with live entertainment. It is a special day and certainly a highlight on the Eastern Cape calendar,” says marketing manager of Algoa FM, Toinette Koumpan.
