Kuala Lumpur, November 25 – More than 1,000 walkers & health enthusiasts converged as early as 6.00am at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa recently to participate in the “Pink Love Charity Run” organised by SHILLS and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) to support breast cancer cause.
In addition, the run also aims to promote consciousness of an active and healthy lifestyle in support of global health events in October / November such as Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Pink October, World Mental Health Week, World Diabetes Day etc.
SHILLS’ Executive Director Lee Joyce kicked off the event by presenting a mock cheque of RM40,000 to Professor Zaharah Bte Aiyub -- President of BCWA. This was witnessed by Dr Sujit of “Walk A Win” representing the Malaysian Association of Telehealth (a society working with the Ministry of Health & the Prime Minister Department to promote healthy living in Malaysia). At 7.30am, emcee Astro Supersports TV host Michelle Lee announced the flag-off. The 5KM run/walk’s proceeds will be 100% donated to BCWA.
The “Pink Love Charity Run” run is also a multi-edged platform to promote health for the general public, and the spirit of caring and support amongst the community.
Registration was RM40 each person. Each participant was given a runners’ pack with goodies from sponsors including Biogrow, Mentholatum (Deep Heating Rub) Sakae Sushi, Spritzer, Revive, Myoga, REM Property, 123 Cheese Photobooth, Sritama, movie tickets and product vouchers from the Association of Telehealth.
All participants had a great time navigating around Taman Tasik Titiwangsa with friends and families who came with them. Most finished the run earlier than expected despite an early downpour. Participants received a beautiful heart-shaped medal and a certificate of participation upon completion of the run.
Many thronged the BCWA’s booth which displayed various materials to create awareness on breast cancer in the form of education leaflets, memorabilia and self-check breast cancer examination tools. All these are aimed to encourage the public to self-check for breast cancer for early detection and seek prompt medical treatment to save their breasts and life.
Professor Zaharah Aiyub said the run is aimed to enhance and reinforce breast cancer awareness. “Though Pink October has passed, breast cancer consciousness should be perpetuated throughout the whole year. BCWA is committed to reaching out to support newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. We also constantly organise outreach programmes to educate the public on breast self-examination,” said
Professor Zaharah.
The walk / run ended at approximately 9.00am with a lucky draw comprising prizes from SHILLS and Sakae Sushi. Clinical breast examinations were conducted by BCWA in their MURNI mobile health check vehicle.
SHILLS’ Executive Director, Lee Joyce enthused: “SHILLS started a CSR partnership with BCWA since last year with product and cash sponsorships. “This year, we took on a broader, more extensive and interactive approach to build a healthier community whilst cultivating caring hearts. The Pink Love care run is aimed at supporting BCWA’s funds for various educational and community endeavours.
“SHILLS would like to bring home the message anyone or everyone should take physical exercise seriously as a pre-emption of mental or physical ailments.
“The beauty about this run is that all participants will walk or run in a pair (with a spouse, family or a friend). Each participant will be tied to the other participant with a pink ribbon. Both have to reach the finishing line together with the ribbon intact,” Joyce explained.
This “ribbon-tying” harbours a meaningful message. Besides representing breast cancer, it’s important to have someone by your side to encourage, support and walk through life’s race or journey, be it for anyone or ill-stricken patients.
The ribbon does not allow one to walk / run too fast slow. Both have to be mindful of each other’s pace to help each other along the way. ‘This sends out the message of being sensitive to needs of others and supporting each other,” quipped Joyce.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting Malaysian women as well as the commonest cancer in women amongst all races between 2003 - 2005. Breast cancer formed 31.1% of newly diagnosed cancer cases during the same period.
For more information, please logon www.shills.com.my or www.facebook.com/shills.my or call (03) 8062 2743 / 46.
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