DKMS Africa has announced that on Sunday, 10 March, 10 cyclists from the Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy will be competing in the Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise awareness about blood cancer. The Khayelitsha-based non-profit organisation has partnered with the cyclists in their efforts to help with the organization's fundraising efforts for patients in need of stem cell transplantations.
According to DKMS Africa, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder every 72 minutes in South Africa.
However, the cost of treatment is often burdensome for patients, many of whom lose their livelihoods. Additionally, even when a patient has found a matching donor (a patient has a one in 100 000 chance of finding a matching donor), finances often pose a major burden, the organisation adds.
Considering the costs of treatments such as in-hospital chemotherapy or stem cell transplants, some patients have lower survival rates than those with reliable access to specialised care and treatment.
"The aim of this partnership is to increase public awareness about the effects of blood cancer and blood disorders while also encouraging the financial contributions needed towards alleviating the financial burden faced by some patients when it comes to covering the costs of the transplant process," says Palesa Mokomele, head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa.
"As both organisations are in the non-profit space, we believe in working together to impact society in a positive way," adds Mokomele. "We also purposefully matched with an organisation from Khayelitsha as we continue to amplify the message of early diagnosis of cancer across South Africa and, in particular, communities that have previously not been part of these conversations."
Sipho Mona, Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy's general manager, says, "One of the ways they do this is by cycling to raise awareness and help others. This time around, they decided to ride on behalf of blood cancer patients."
Two of the participating cyclists, 16-year-olds Inam Nkonki from KwaMfundo High School and Elihle Gqola, conclude, "We want our community to be aware of blood cancer by cycling to support the thousands of people affected by cancer. We also want to make a difference in their lives; that's why we are cycling on behalf of DKMS Africa."
For more information, visit www.dkms-africa.org. You can also follow DKMS Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor