The women arriving on their motorcycles in the school courtyard caused a stir among the 1 500 pupils. Frieda Henning, Adri van Nieuwenhuizen, Magda Geldenhuys and Elsje de Swardt were accompanied by Thembalethu Matrose.
One of the Gauteng members of Cancer.vive, Raynolda Makhutle explained to the girls how to do a breast self-examination and Thembalethu shared his story of being diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 13. Posters and brochures were distributed among pupils.
"It was such a humbling experience. It is important that teenagers are being made aware of this at an early age. Cancer.vive lost one of its young members, Christin Pagelast year. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 18," said Frieda Henning, project manager of Cancer.vive.
The complete Cancer.vive group of 26 survivors will soon be departing on their main motorcycle ride in the Gauteng and Mpumalanga area, where they will share their message with about 20 000 people, including mine workers and pupils. "Early detection is key to survival and this is the word that we are spreading," said Frieda.
Anybody wishing to become involved with supporting the cause, may contact Frieda on 082 335 4912.
Visit the Cancer.vive Facebook page for more information on the Celebration of Life Cancer Walk at Kingswood Golf Estate on 14 September.
The whole family (and their dogs) are invited to enjoy the event. Businesses wishing to sponsor a "hot spot" may contact Frieda.
Tickets are available from Tiger Wheel and Tyre in George.
Documentary on Sunday
An hour-long documentary on the Cancer.vive 2011 awareness road trip will be broadcast on kykNET this coming Sunday 2 September at 16:00.
Visit www.cancervive.co.za for more information.
The Cancer.vive team with Mr Chris Fongqo from Thembalethu High.
