The Uganda Child Cancer Foundation, the Uganda Cancer Institute and other partners have appealed to Ugandans to register and participate in the second edition of the Childhood Cancer Colour Run, which will take place on the 19th of May, 2024.
The run, which will commence at the Uganda Cancer Institute, targets to raise Shs150 million, which will support families with transportation and medical needs for children battling cancer.
This event is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation (UCCF) and the Uganda Cancer Institute.
“Following the success of our inaugural run in 2023, we remain committed to our mission of raising awareness about childhood cancers, enhancing fundraising efforts, and garnering community support to combat this devastating disease,” the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation said in a statement.
Under the theme “Embracing Life’s Marathon: Saluting Survivors, Honouring Memories,” this year’s event seeks to educate and celebrate life. It is based on multifaceted objectives: to raise awareness, challenge the stigma associated with cancer, champion survivorship, and mobilize resources to aid families caring for children with cancer.
“This theme encapsulates our belief that fighting cancer requires a sustained, community-wide effort. By celebrating survivors and commemorating those who have passed, we reaffirm our dedication to a cancer-free future,” the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation said.
Moses Echodu, the Executive Director of the UCCF, remarked that the primary goal is to foster impactful cancer awareness, dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease, advocate for survivorship, and mobilize community support and resources for the families of children battling cancer. The event will have an engaging blend of a 5km and 10km run, accompanied by entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. UCCF is targeting 10,000 participants, including children with cancer and their families, survivors, and other well-wishers, to join hands in this noble cause.
“As a distinctive feature, this year we will have two colors for vests: white and orange. The orange vests will be worn by cancer survivors, both young and old, to showcase those who have triumphed over cancer and those who have walked the journey through the gates of the Uganda Cancer Institute.
The white running vests will be worn by two groups of people: those running in memory of a loved one that they lost to cancer and those running to support the fight against cancer.” Echodu further explains
Globally, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, with over 18 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone. The situation in Uganda is particularly dire, with 32,617 new cancer cases and 21,829 deaths reported in the same year.
According to the partners, the run serves as a poignant communal space to remember those lost to cancer. Participants are encouraged to commemorate their loved ones by displaying their names on the back of their vests, with special acknowledgment given to the organization contributing the highest number of runners in this category.
Despite sobering mortality rates, hope prevails thanks to advancements in treatment and the concerted efforts of the government, civil society, and partners. These improvements have notably enhanced survival rates in Uganda, positioning survivors as symbols of hope and highlighting the critical need for prompt access to cancer care and treatment. We honor the courage and resilience of survivors, acknowledging the myriad challenges they face, including physical and emotional scars, the anxiety of recurrence, and the financial burdens of treatment. The run will feature a special recognition segment for survivors, highlighting our collective support for their journey.
Partners
UCCF extends its gratitude to their partners who have supported in making the Childhood Cancer Colour Run possible.
“The Uganda Cancer Institute and the Uganda Cancer Society are our institutional partners. Special mention goes to our long-term supporters, Biyinzika Poultry International, who have joined the Childhood Cancer Colour Run as official sponsors of this year’s event.
We also acknowledge other supporters such as the Makerere Anti-Cancer Club, Ahavah Foundation, Hazel and Amara, and together, we aim to make the Childhood Cancer Colour Run impactful and significant,” they say
About Uganda Child Cancer Foundation
The Uganda Child Cancer Foundation is the brainchild of the Uganda Cancer Institute, established with the mission of creating a society free of childhood cancer by contributing towards effective childhood cancer control in Uganda through patient support, awareness creation, advocacy, research, and mentorship.
Uganda Child Cancer Foundation (UCCF) is a non-government organisation that was registered in 2006 with registration number No. 80020000744147.