Mangauluru: After a series of awareness programmes conducted by Yenepoya Group in raising funds for cancer treatment and research through a marathon run, ‘Cancerthon 2017’ was officially launched at Forum Fiza Mall on 16 January. The organizers urged all students of Yenepoya institution to join hands with participants to run in the marathon not for competition and prize money, but for their own satisfaction.

Dr. Gerald Santhosh D’Souza launching Cancerthon 2017 awareness video

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of Yenepoya Dental College, Dr. Sripathi Bhat introduced the guests of the launching ceremony and said, “The Vice Chancellor of our university, Dr. M Vijay Kumar is the reason that Cancerthon is in place. He has been the inspiration for us to start this half marathon in order to raise funds for cancer research. On behalf of the college, I thank him for his idea and support in making Cancerthon happen.”

Among the guests was the Deputy Director of Physical Education in Mangaluru University and an active marathon runner, Dr. Gerald Santhosh D’Souza called out to Mangaloreans and said that anyone can run a half marathon without training. “Areobic running can be done by anyone and it is very natural as a human to be able to run long distances. Competitive running can be hectic but running such a distance is still within every person’s capability. We should all take part in this marathon and spread the message to people. The main objective of this event is to run for one’s own satisfaction and not just for the sake of winning”, Gerald said.

Another guest who was present at the launch was ace marathon runner and an Arjuna Award winning international athlete, Vandana Shanbaugh. She addressed the gathering and said, “When Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer, he thought he would not survive. But he fought his way through cancer and rose above it. He came back after undergoing a thorough treatment and won another world title. Cancer patients do get a jolt of their lifetime but the support that he/she receives makes it very important for the person’s recuperation.”

Jessel D’Souza, a cancer survivor was also present at the occasion and shared stories about how cancer shook her confidence, but still she fought it and came out of it. “Being diagnosed with cancer does not mean imminent death. If one can fight it, nothing can stop the spirit from breaking one’s will to survive”, Jessel said with a cheerful tone in her speech.

Jessel D’Souza giving her testimonial

Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya University, Dr. Vijay Kumar gave an outline of cancer day which is observed on February 4 of every year and said, “In my career as an oncology surgeon, I have seen many patients coming in for diagnosis and treatment when the cancer has reached advanced stages. The lack of awareness in the common people about testing for cancer was not adequate. This is when we thought we should advice the people on getting screened for cancer so that it is detected at early stages.”

“Most of the cancers are preventable and treatable if detected at early stages. The people should take more precaution on this matter and be screened to avoid delays. The Government is doing their bit to financially assist cancer treatment by offering Rs. 1.5 lakh every year for cancer patients. So, it is but necessary to be on the safer side and be alert”, Dr. Vijay added.

Speaking about the organizing and implementation part of Cancerthon, President of the event, Dr. Hasan Sarfaraz said, “Registrations for Cancerthon can be made online as well as offline. The requirement of volunteers in arranging a smooth operation of the marathon is also necessary. We are looking at a ball park figure of 10,000 participants to join us in this marathon.”

According to Dr. Sarfaraz, the route taken for the 21 kilometer half marathon will start from Forum mall and end at the same venue. The participants will take the Forum Mall – Statebank – City Center Mall – PVS Junction – Ladyhill – Infosys – Kadri – Bendoorwell route and conclude at Forum Mall.

A month long cancer screening camps are being conducted around the city for fisher folk, police officials, bus drivers/conductors and Mangaluru City Corporation officials among others. The screening camps began on 8 January and three such camps are being conducted every week at various places in Mangaluru.