Sandisiwe Gumbo , Sunday Life Reporter
WITH breast cancer awareness month in full swing, 14 October will see remarkable events organised by FitKhosie and Humanitarian Hope International (HHI) taking place as the two organisers have rolled their sleeves to battle against the scourge.
These events aim to bring together communities, spread knowledge about breast cancer prevention and treatment, and foster a sense of unity in the fight against the dreadful disease.
Bulawayo’s Fitness Hub, FitKhosie is set to host its breast cancer awareness event at Hartsfield.
The event is running under the theme ‘Living Beyond Breast Cancer #Thrive365.’
“Living Beyond Breast Cancer is sharing some of the ways people thrive with breast cancer and how your support today can help people impacted by breast cancer- all year long. Hence #Thrive365,” explained Makhosi Mlotshwa, founder of FitKhosie Fitness Hub.
“In Zimbabwe alone, our breast cancer numbers have continued to riddle communities with rations as high as one in every eight women being affected or being at risk of breast cancer,” said Mlotshwa.
The event aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote a message of living beyond the disease.
With a range of activities planned, the event promises to be an engaging and informative experience for attendees.
“During the event there will breast cancer screening, colour splash, Zumba/Aerobics, business exhibition and stalls to visit throughout the event, and other fun activities will be done including a children’s playing corner.” Mlotshwa also said: “We also offer boot camps, fitness training/personal training and boxing.”
One of the main highlights of the event is a colour run and walk, offering participants the opportunity to show their support for breast cancer awareness while enjoying a fun-filled activity.
“Our colour run aims to educate, conscientise and challenge everyone to champion the fight against breast cancer,” noted Mlotshwa.
To encourage participation, Fitness Hub has announced that people who bought tickets will receive free t-shirts, providing them with a tangible reminder of their support for breast cancer awareness.
This incentive is expected to generate excitement and encourage individuals to secure their spots.
For families attending the event, Fitness Hub has organized several attractions specifically for children.
These include a jumping castle, trampoline, and colour splash activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Khosie was motivated by the loss of a loved one.
“My inspiration is personal because I lost my mother to breast cancer. From the time we learnt that she had been diagnosed with cancer, it was really a difficult time to us as a family. Having to understand and learn more about the disease, helping her throughout the whole journey hoping and being positive that she’ll be well. She was a very strong and brave woman but she succumbed to the disease. Hence, I want to conscientise the community about the disease.”
The organisation that has been engaged is Island Hospice Healthcare; it will offer health services like high blood pressure, weight and breast cancer screening for a US$1.
The event is sponsored by Aqua-manzi, 3D Events, Shake n Toss, Samson Bricks and Ten On Brooke.
On the same day, Humanitarian Hope International has organised a workshop for Breast Cancer under the theme “Hope For The Fighters, Prayer For The Survivors And Peace For The Taken”.
“We want to develop a safe and effective environment for those who are battling with cancer,” said Qhubekani Ngwenya, the regional director of the Humanitarian Hope International.
“At the same time, we want to give hope and determination to the victims of cancer so that they learn to live with cancer. Thus, our first part of the theme says hope for the fighters. Meaning to say there is still hope for those who are diagnosed with breast cancer.”
The organization holds cancer awareness workshops every year particularly in Bulawayo. This year they are holding cancer awareness events in Bulawayo, Hwange and Plumtree.
The event will feature breast cancer survivors who will share their testimonies.
“We saw it fit to invite the breast cancer survivors so that we continue praying for them and we preach peace to the families of the victims who succumbed to breast cancer.
“We will give a background of breast cancer awareness, causes of breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, importance of early cancer detection, comprehensive breast cancer management, risks linked to breast cancer and the importance of breast cancer examination.”
“From our targeted groups the majority will be women but we are not excluding men. We want men to come in numbers so that they get information as well be able to play a role in early detection of breast cancer. We expect a large crowd.”
In addition to the workshop, Humanitarian Hope International plans to offer further training and resources for those interested in supporting cancer victims.