World Cancer Day – February 4 |06 February 2024
Praslinois walk in solidarity with cancer survivors
World Cancer Day is a global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control observed on February 4. It is a day to raise worldwide awareness, improve education and encourage collective and government action to work together towards a world where millions of deaths due to untreated cancers are prevented and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is available to all; no matter who you are or where you live.
Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals to act as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.
The Cancer Concern Association (CCA) on Praslin organised a beach walk at the Côte d’Or beach on Sunday afternoon in solidarity with cancer patients and their families. A large crowd from different walks of life was present to bring a message of hope to those in need.
The walk which started in front of Pirogue Restaurant & Bar went up to the Acajou Beach Hotel, on to the Paradise Sun Hotel and back to the starting point. Those present could also light a candle of hope and offer a silent prayer before departure.
Liaison officer Vincent Cedras, members of the National Assembly Churchill Gill and Doyace Poris, district administrators Chantal Laure and Bertie Cedras, church leaders and members of several organisations were also present. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) had particularly mobilised a dynamic team for the walk.
“As part of our activities to give back to the community, we were instantly eager to participate once we received the invitation. Actually we set up a donation box in both SIF sites on Praslin – Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand – and today we are donating the proceeds received so far. We have also decided to keep a donation box at our sites for the month of February which will later be donated as well,” shared Marc Jean-Baptiste, SIF site manager on Praslin.
It was the chairperson of CCA - Praslin, Tasianna D’Unienville who accepted the donation and thanked SIF for the heartwarming gesture. To note that this is also part of activities for the 40th anniversary celebration of the inscription of the Vallée de Mai as a Unesco world heritage site.
This year's World Cancer Day's theme ‘Close the Care Gap’ seeks to call on leaders to make a commitment in prioritising cancer detection and treatment as well as individuals to live a healthier lifestyle.
“We call on the entire population to go for regular check-ups and try their best to live a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risks of cancers. However, if it does happen, do not be discouraged. There is always hope and many of us out there who are ready to provide support during such difficult times. For too long, cancer has been a taboo subject in our communities and this has to end. Let us feel comfortable to share with others and to your surprise you can get the support that you need to make it through,” said Ms D’Unienville.
A cancer survivor and treasurer of CCA-Praslin, Josette Bedier stated that “fighting cancer is not an easy battle. There are days when you might feel like giving up. That is why we are here as Cancer Concern Association. We are here to provide support, guidance and counselling to the patients themselves and their families. Sometimes a simple word of encouragement or a pat on the shoulder can work wonders.”
One of the participants, Gina Cesar shared that she joined the call to show solidarity to patients who are going through this ordeal.
“I also came to offer thanks and praise to the Lord for the healing he granted me after I personally fought a cancer and thus bring a message of hope to others. Too often we hear about those who have passed away but rarely hear about success stories. Let us stop taking cancer as a taboo but rather talk about it. Let us support one another, remain strong and positive for those in need and together we can make a difference. I thank God for my healing and I want you who are now suffering, to know that you can also be healed,” said Ms Cesar.
“This is the association’s first activity for 2024 and we are very satisfied with the turnout. We hope to make this year a better one where we can provide more support to the community especially now that we have observed a constant rise in the number of cancers detected annually. Let us be mindful that cancer can occur to anyone, anytime and we need to keep a close eye on our general health,” said Mrs Bedier.
CCA-Praslin thanked everyone who contributed towards making the event a success and hopes to keep the beach walk an annual event. They call on others who could not make it this year, to join them next year, same time, and same place.
The accompanying photos were taken by Romano Laurence.
Nadia Bedier
