Pink ribbon formation, walkathon, and balloon release marked the breast cancer awareness program conducted to commemorate International Breast Cancer Awareness month by CAN STOP and Rotary District 3232.
‘One Walk One Hope’ was flagged off by Dr Thamizhachi Thangapandian, MP (South Chennai), on Oct.29, from Olcott Memorial School, Besant Nagar. Appreciating the role of Dr.Vijayabharathi Rangarajan – Director of Sundaram Foundation and founder of CANSTOP, for holding the annual event for the past 14 years, Dr. Thamizhachi said that no one should fight the battle of cancer alone.
She iterated that the event is a showcase of support and an opportunity to spread awareness on breast cancer and the necessity for early detection. “Together, we can win the battle, and that is the message you will spread as you walk,” she highlighted, while releasing pink balloons into the air.
Dr Vijayabharathi said that prevention is the best cure for breast cancer, and women in the age group of 40-50, especially if they have a family history of cancer, should undergo a mammogram, which will go a long way in handling the tumour. Rotarian N.S.Saravanan, Governor-Elect, RI Dist 3232, informed that in the last year, Rotary has installed eight mammogram machines in various hospitals.
Over 2,000 people participated in the event, which included survivors and their support system – men who care for the women in their lives, mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, and friends. Many school and college students and the general public also participated.
Rotarian Ravi Raman, Governor of RI Dist 3232, Rotarian Vinod Sarogi, Governor of RI Dist 3232 and Rotarian Shobana Ravi, District First Lady, spoke about the need to create awareness of breast cancer and extended their support to all cancer-affected people.
