CANSA Relay For Life

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Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? No! It’s CANSA’s Superheroes!

We can achieve extraordinary results by working together towards a common goal. This key message is summed up in the theme of this year’s CANSA Relay For Life Corporate event: ‘We Can All Be Superheroes Together’, aligned to the global Relay For Life 2016 slogan: ‘One World – One Hope!’

Corp Relay Launch Invite SM new 30 July 2016

More than 100 teams of  between 10 and 15 ‘superheroes’ each will be taking part in the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) sixth annual Relay For Life on 1 to 2 October 2016 at Denel’s Irene Campus. The overnight event aims to create awareness in the workplace of the dread disease and its Survivors. It encourages employees and employers to find out more about how cope with its challenges.

CANSA has a wealth of this type of information, as well as support structures to assist corporates with employee engagement and policy issues. Funds raised by the Relay event will enable CANSA to continue adding to this information through cancer risk research and to educate and create awareness through other events and channels.

Coping with cancer in the workplace

“A critical part of the recovery of cancer survivors is the support they receive not only from their friends, family and caregivers, but also from their colleagues,” says CANSA Relay For Life Corporate Chairperson, Elise Fourie, who has played a leading role in the event for the past six years.

“Very often colleagues simply don’t know how to react to a cancer survivor in the workplace. Ignorance can result in awkward situations, such as, Survivors being asked when their hair will grow back or constantly being asked how they are feeling.”

Fourie says what’s even worse is that some colleagues simply avoid or ignore the Survivor or patient altogether. “It’s difficult enough for the Survivor to cope with the disease itself without having to maybe deal with the insensitivity of others and the ignorance of their line managers or human resources department on cancer-related company policy.

“What is really pleasing,” says Fourie, “Is the increase over the years in the number of companies and their employees becoming loyal supporters of CANSA Relay For Life and showing their concern and understanding for survivors”.

Everyone is welcome

The impactful and fun event is open to corporates, as well as cancer Survivors and their caregivers, family and friends. Children are welcome too with special entertainment and supervision provided for them. The relay will start at 4pm on Saturday, 1 October and finish at 6am on Sunday, 2 October. During this time, team members take it in turns to walk the 360m track. Entertainment, fun activities and food stalls will keep the resting team members and the support crowds occupied throughout the event.

Survivors celebrated

Cancer Survivors are invited to the event as VIP guests. They, and those who have lost the battle against cancer, are celebrated during a dedicated VIP function, celebratory laps and the Luminaria ceremony held at the event. Candles are lit inside paper bags and are placed around the relay track as glowing tributes to those who have been affected by cancer. These candles remain lit throughout the event until the closing ceremony.

How to take part

CANSA encourages companies to enter as many teams as possible in the CANSA Relay For Life Corporate. To register go to https://www.relayforlife.org.za/corporate/team-registration-and-team-information.

Also keep an eye on our social media for more information. Remember to tag us when sharing and use the hashtag #CANSARelayForLife.


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