City fitness buffs to run for cancer awareness

“Incidence of breast cancer and mortality rate associated with it is relatively higher in our country. This is because of the failure in early detection, diagnosis and treatment for the disease. Women are supposed to get regular check-ups to detect the cancer. But, either because of lack of awareness or because of the inability to afford such medical care, this is not possible. This is especially true of women in rural areas and for people belonging to economically backward communities,” explains R Sairam, Founder of Madras Mustangs. 

Scheduled on August 20, is a step towards resolving these issues, feels Sairam. “Our first initiative was the Penn Nalam programme, as part of which we conducted awareness about breast and cervical cancers and organised early detection camps in the state. Over two lakh women became a part of this initiative and around 2,000 of them were diagnosed and provided with requisite treatment. This event, which will have three categories — 10 km, 5 km as well as a 2-km walk, will further that cause. The walk will also accommodate cancer survivors. Whether you run, walk or contribute to the event, every contribution is a big support to this venture. We will use the proceeds from the run to fund the breast cancer centre, which will make cancer care and treatment more accessible and affordable,” he explains.

The Give a Brick campaign invites people to contribute by paying for each brick — which costs Rs 100 — that will go into the making of the centre. “The facility will provide free breast cancer treatments to underprivileged women. We will be following a Robin Hood model, where we take money from the rich and invest it in healthcare for the poor. The land for the centre has been made available to us generously and a major chunk of equipment has been donated by various patrons. But the building itself, which will need around Rs. 18 crore to construct, is still a big expense. This is where the campaign money will be put to use. Fortunately, we are receiving a lot of positive feedback and most of the donations we have received have come from people whose lives have been affected by cancer either directly or otherwise” he adds.