23 July 2011

Celebrate life with cancer survivors!

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is hosting the first Corporate Relay For Life in South Africa, taking place from the evening of 3rd September to the morning of 4th September 2011 at Denel Corporate Office, Irene Campus, Pretoria (official venue sponsor 2011).
CANSA Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilises cancer survivors and corporate companies throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones that have passed away from cancer and raise money for the fight against cancer.

"Take hands and become part of this event", said Karin Metz, Relay For Life Event Chair. Cancer survivors and colleagues work side-by-side daily and may not know that colleagues are cancer survivors. This Corporate Relay event will give a face and voice for cancer survivors as well as an opportunity for corporates and workplaces to show their support by committing to fight back against cancer and help South Africans know that they can beat cancer.

CANSA combines 80 years of experience through research, education and support to help fight cancer. As a grassroots force in Africa of more than 12 000 volunteers, they aim to fight for every cancer survivor threatened by every type of cancer in every community. CANSA educates the public on the prevention and importance of early detection of cancer as well as provide care and support to people affected by or treated for cancer. To be more effective to control cancer and to act as the a voice for the public, CANSA plays the 'watchdog' role to influence South African policy makers, and to create public awareness of known cancer-causing factors.

As a leading role-player in cancer research, CANSA funds more than R4.5 million on various types of cancer research in South Africa every year. As a result, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from the research determines the watchdog role and strengthens the health programmes so that many more South African cancer survivors will be celebrating another year of life this year.

At Relay, team members take turns to walk or run around a track for 12 to 14 hours. Participants enjoy camping-out, entertainment, good food, games and team building. People who join all share a common purpose - to help CANSA in the fight against cancer. Funds raised at this Relay event is used to fight cancer country-wide.

Relay began in USA in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man's passion to fight cancer into the world's largest global movement to end the disease. Each year, communities worldwide in 22 countries (Including South Africa) gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

If you would like to enter a team and be a team captain or get involved with Relay For Life contact Dalene van Rooyen on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call

012 329 3036.

About CANSA

CANSAs purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R4,5 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public.

CANSA has more than 350 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 60 offices as well as 13 interim homes in the main cities for out-of-town cancer patients accessing treatment.

CANSA runs a toll-free information service during office hours 0800 22 66 22. CANSA gives out free Cancer Coping kits in English, seSotho, isiZulu and Afrikaans. CANSA needs volunteers to assist in delivering their service in all communities as the incidence of cancer is rising and more South Africans are needed to get actively involved in the fight against cancer.

For more information, visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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Published in Health and Medicine