Muchaneta Chimuka
HUNDREDS of people, including Zimpapers staff, stakeholders, sponsors, young children, the elderly and cancer survivors, turned Old Harrian Sports Club in Harare into a sea of purple during the 11th Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk.
The event was held simultaneously at other Zimpapers branches across the country to raise cancer awareness and funds to assist cancer patients.
The walk was held under the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters”.
Zimpapers chief finance officer Mrs Prisca Makandwa commended all sponsors who contributed to the initiative.
“The 11th edition of this initiative did not happen because of Zimpapers alone. It happened because organisations, institutions and individuals like you believed in this cause and continued walking with us,” she said. “Through your support, Zimpapers has continued mobilising resources for Island Hospice and Healthcare, supporting its invaluable work in providing palliative care to people affected by cancer. That makes every contribution to this initiative meaningful. You are not simply sponsoring a walk. You are helping us give care, dignity, comfort and hope to someone who needs it.”
She thanked FBC Bank for being the Diamond sponsor, noting that the bank goes beyond banking to consider the health and welfare of the communities it serves.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, some cancer survivors commended Zimpapers for holding the event.
Lois Ngonyamo (53) of Harare, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and lost her right breast, lamented the high costs of medication, diagnosis and treatment.
“I am on cancer suppression drugs. My medical aid covers this. Every six months I go for blood tests and scans … I count myself lucky because I am on medical aid and I am working. I dread to imagine how cancer patients who are not on medical aid are coping. This is what moves me to support events like these, because I appreciate very well that there are cancer patients out there who need this financial support. I remember spending over US$20 000 last year for diagnosis, surgery and medication at one time; my medical aid was overdrawn, but I thank my family for being very supportive,” she said.
Mrs Ngonyamo’s husband, Edwin, their children and her twin sister, Mrs Tapuwa Mutseyekwa, also attended the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk.
“I am here to support my wife, Lois, who is recovering from breast cancer, because we believe that everyone who is sick can easily recover when given the utmost support and care. Thanks to Zimpapers for helping fight cancer through this power walk; you are actually killing the stigma that is often associated with the disease, the stigma that hinders community members from seeking treatment early so that they can be easily treated. My wife was diagnosed with cancer at stage 1, and here she is; we are happy,” he said.
Regnice Gutsa, a mother of two girls, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2006.
“I had no lump, but I was bleeding from the breast, and I went for diagnosis, and I had a complete mastectomy and was given drugs for five years, and in between I had to go for tests every three months, and now I am having tests every six months. The cost of cancer medication is hindering the majority from accessing medical assistance,” she said.
“I thank my family for supporting me. Cancer is a very expensive disease, and we need more cancer machines and health facilities such that more and more people get help, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.”
Bongani Chakanga from Zorro Trained highlighted the importance of exercise for the health and well-being of communities.
“Health and fitness come from exercising, and it should remain a culture rather than posing a problem when it is hot. One can do these exercises in the morning or evening and reduce the disease burden, including cancer,” she said.
“We will continue to work closely with Zimpapers and other stakeholders in creating a healthy nation through sport.”
Some of the sponsors for this year’s event include Zinara, POSB, the National Employment Council for the Printing, Packaging and Newspaper Industry, National Blood Service Zimbabwe, Puma Energy, Zesa, the Forestry Commission, Lobels Bakeries, Zorro Trained, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Dr McKenzie
Matienga, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, among others.
