RIDE FOR HOPE

The Tour - Day 12

2007-03-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Final function at Panorama Mediclinic

Welcome note by Dr Annemi Klopper

Dr Rob Adam, CEO of NECSA

Dr Clive Naidoo, from iThemba hands over the complimentary FDG to Dr Annemi Klopper. With them the patients who will be receiving the complimentary scans - Mrs Albers, Kalin Faro (14 year old) and Mrs Arnold.

Gerda Strauss of CANSA doing the closing and thank you note

The commemorative scroll that was received in Pretoria is handed to Dr Heinz Morkel

Each rider received certificates and medals for completion of the ride

Adri Reyneke, Aurora Travel, one of the sponsors of the ride for Hope in front with Stanley Mokgehle and Walter Segoe. At the back, Petro Johnstone, NTP organiser and Christa Kotze, a cancer sufferer.

The Tour - Day 11

2007-03-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Arrive iThemba Labs, Cape Town

Tour of their facilities

... and off to Muizenberg

The Tour - Day 10

2007-03-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

Swellendam to Caledon to Stellenbosch

The tour - Day 9

2007-03-13T02:04:00.000-07:00

Depart Mosselbay to Riversdal to Swellendam

The Tour - Day 8

2007-03-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Depart Uniondale to George

Due to down pouring rain and gail force winds the cyclists decided not the risk injury by cycling in this weather. Whe travelled this stage by car.

Function at George Mediclinic

Received and welcomed by Dr Heinz Morkel

Overview by Paul van der Walt

Closing and tank you note by Bill van der Linde: CANSA, George

Overnight at Mosselbay Sportschool

Braai hosted by Bill van der Linde: CANSA, George

The Tour - Day 7

2007-03-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Graaff Reinet to Willowmore to Uniondale

The Tour - Day 6

2007-03-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Rest day in Graaff Reinet

Breakfast at the local Wimpy

The riders servicing their bicycles

Dinner at the Kliphuis Restaurant

The Tour - Day 5

2007-03-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

Middelburg to Graaff Reinet to Aberdeen

Arrive in Graaff Reinet

Overnight at Aloe Lodge in Graaff Reinet

The tour - Day 4, Stage 1

2007-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thurs 1/3

Depart Bloemfontein to Noupoort

Function at Bloemfontein Mediclinic PET/CT scan facility where four patients received free FDG and PET scans

From left to right: Eric van der Westhuizend, Dr Arno van Dyk, Lerato M Tlali , Paul van der Walt (NTP) and Carl Buhrmann - Mediclinic Bloemfontein

From left to right: Dr Jakes Moller, Mrs Maria H Lombard, Elize Joubert- CANSA, Bloemfontein, Carl Buhrmann - Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Paul van der Walt - NTP, Walter Segoe -NTP, Eric van der Westhuizen

From left to right: Chris Boshoff, Dr Johan Basson, Mr Lucas M Barnard, Elize Joubert- CANSA Bloemfontein, Mrs Ontlametse D Motsikatsi, Paul van der Walt - NTP

Noupoort to Overnight at Middelburg

The tour - Day 3, Stage 2

2007-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Bothaville to Welkom

Arrive Welkom

Received by Corrie van Niekerk from CANSA, Welkom

Dined at Mediclinic, Welkom

Our first injury

The tour - Day 3, Stage 1

2007-02-27T20:48:00.003-08:00

Parys to Bothaville
Afternoon stop

in Bothaville

Eat Lunch then…

recoup for the afternoon shift

There’s always something to be thankful for
– at least the bicycle has also evolved

But first we had to get the support vehicle running again …

and off we go, again –

The tour - Day 2

2007-02-27T20:48:00.001-08:00

The Tour - Day 1, Stage 2

2007-02-27T02:25:00.001-08:00

The Tour - Day 1, Stage 1

2007-02-27T02:24:00.000-08:00

Finalising all the last minute details regarding programmes and cyclists.

Cyclists, support crew, sponsors and staff of the Health Sciences Division awaiting the opening ceremony

Welcome Address: The Dean of the Faculty, Prof TJ Mariba

Overview by Roland von Gogh from NTP

Message of Hope by Dr Rob Adam: NECSA’s CEO

Thank you note by Gerda Strauss: CANSA Provincial Manager

Ride for Hope Sponsors

The Launch 21/2/2007

2007-02-27T02:21:00.000-08:00

CANSA, NTP and NECSA - Partners in Ride for Hope

2007-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Pretoria to Cape Town via the Garden Route

1800km

15 cyclists consisting of cancer survivors and cancer fighters

26 February to 9 March 2007

Cancer is a disease that affects us all. Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer every year but knowing and recognizing the warning signs and obtaining prompt medical attention can save lives.

The "Ride for Hope - Balekela Ethembeni" campaign is a partnership between CANSA, NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd & its parent organisation NECSA, with the main aim of highlighting the necessity for South Africans to lead a healthy and active lifestyle in order to minimise the probability of becoming victims of cancer. Simultaneously the aim is also to show that the disease can be detected and treated (especially using nuclear medical technology) and that survival is a real and increasingly likely prognosis for sufferers.

CANSA North West, is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 000-524) whose mission is to substantially reduce the impact of cancer by promoting health in all communities within South Africa, through advocacy and the sustainable facilitation of research, prevention, early detection and care. Cansa has representation and support structures (including fundraising and publicity expertise and resources) in most town and cities in South Africa. For more information please visit www.cansa.org.za.

NTP Radioisotopes Pty (Ltd) produces and markets internationally a range of products that are used for diagnostic imaging, most notably for the reliable and accurate diagnosis and staging of cancers as well as for monitoring and assessing the impact of therapeutic interventions. NTP's corporate objective is to provide products and services that “Actively enhance life” and issues relating to cancer treatment and diagnosis are therefore a focus of its Corporate Social Investment Programme. For more information please visit www.ntp.co.za

NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation) is NTP's parent organisation and is the national organisation tasked with developing and utilising nuclear technology and facilities that promote and support the many beneficial applications of the peaceful use of this technology. NECSA owns and operates the world-renowned SAFARI-1 nuclear reactor that is used as a critical input to the production of radioisotopes by NTP. Nuclear medicines produced by NTP with the help of SAFARI-1 and its technologists is used globally in over 2,5 million diagnostic medical procedures every year, many of these involving cancers and many of which are life-saving.
For more information please visit www.necsa.co.za

Endorsements

2007-01-24T01:35:00.000-08:00

”I’m alive today thanks to people before me who participated in cancer research.”

“Cancer wasn’t only the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced; it has also been the best and most rewarding race I’ve ever won.” - Lance Armstrong

We are in the privileged position of having received endorsement from the Lance Armstrong Foundation for this cycle tour. The Lance Armstrong Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, the LAF inspires and empowers people living with cancer. There will be no financial gain from LAF for this project, but their moral support means a lot to the team.

The "Ride for Hope" Mission

2007-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

To highlight the value of leading a healthy and active lifestyle in order to minimise the probability of becoming victims of cancer.

To show that the disease can be detected and treated, especially by using nuclear techniques and that survival is a real and increasingly likely prognosis for sufferers.

To educate individuals on the treatments available.

But most of all ..........

to give hope to those fighting the disease!

The Ride for Hope aims also to encourage early cancer detection through testing. Knowing the facts can help you manage, and live with your illness. Knowledge will reduce the fear associated with the disease and increase your chances of beating cancer.

The Route

2007-01-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

Mon, 26/2: Pelindaba, Alberton, Parys
Tue, 27/2: Parys, Bothaville, Welkom
Wed, 28/2: Welkom, Brandfort, Bloemfontein
Thu, 1/3: Bloemfontein, Gariep, Noupoort, Middelburg
Fri, 2/3: Middelburg, Graaff Reinet, Aberdeen
Sat, 3/3: Rest day in Graaff Reinet
Sun, 4/3: Aberdeen, Willowmore, Uniondale
Mon, 5/3: Uniondale, George, Mosselbay
Tue, 6/3: Mosselbay, Riversdal, Swellendam
Wed, 7/3: Swellendam, Caledon, Somerset West
Thu, 8/3: Somerset West, iThemba LABS, Cape Town
Fri, 9/3: Panorama, Tygerberg, Red Cross Hospitals

The Cyclists:

The team consists of:

Cancer survivors

Cancer fighters:

- NTP / Cyclotope /NECSA
- Professionals
- Care givers

They need your help

2007-01-22T03:47:00.000-08:00

The "Ride for Hope - Balekela Ethembeni" project team is appealing to their suppliers, customers, friends and other stakeholders to consider supporting this worthy project by pledging a donation in cash, no matter how small or large, to the beneficiary of the “Ride for Hope - Balekela Ethembeni”, the CANSA organisation (see www.cansa.org.za).

Your donation to CANSA is fully tax deductible

Payment can be made directly into the CANSA bank account:

ABSA, Boom Street

Acc #: 1020030905

Type: Cheque Account

Please always quote this reference number on any payments – RFH/NW06

The Cycling Gear

2007-01-21T04:39:00.000-08:00

A limited number of sets (pants and jersey) of cycling gear is available at the following prices:

Cycling Shirt: R256.00 excl VAT
Cycling Short: R173.00 excl VAT

Orders (please quote sizes) can be placed with:

Petro Johnstone
Tel: +27 12 305-5129

Mobile: +83 635 1546

E-mail: petroj@ntp.necsa.co.za

Their Sponsors

2007-01-21T02:22:00.000-08:00

"Ride for Hope" acknowledges with gratitude the contributions of the following generous sponsors:

Sediba Superspar
AEC Amersham
Labotech (Pty) Ltd
Tidytam Properties
Tabolec
Moya Air - www.moyaair.co.za
Micron Weighing Services - www.micron.co.za
Gammatec Engineering (Pty) Ltd - www.gammatec.co.za
Brits Printers
Davquip
Merck (Pty) Ltd
Prime Products - www.primeproductmanufacturing.com

SAETRA (Pty) Ltd
Process Automation (Pty) Ltd
Era Stene (Edms) Bpk

GEM Tools

Kashan

Swiss Cargo

Vitrace MRF

"Ride for Hope" acknowledges with gratitude the fellow cyclists of Hartbeespoort Cycling Club who decided to sponsor cents per km for their 3 club members participating in the event:
Herman Lourens - 20c per km
Neil Harper - 20c per km
Lyle Crebo - 20c per km
Miekie Dames - 25c per km
Jacques Odendaal - 27c per km

The Support Team

2007-01-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

The people behind "Ride for Hope"

From left to Right:
Lorinda Burger (CANSA), Johan du Toit (NTP), Paul van der Walt (NTP), Shaun Chetty (NECSA),Petro Johnstone (NTP), Amelia Rennie-Kroon (NECSA), Chantal Janneker (NECSA), Roland von Gogh (NTP),

Statistics

2007-01-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

Remembering that, for cancer, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis, these are shocking statistics!
Prof Mike Sathekge presented this at a meeting where he stated that, in his view, the cause of this discrepancy (Black:Non-Black) was ascribable to poor education and information dissemination amongst, particularly, rural Black communities and importantly, also that Black, mainly rural, people first will rely on traditional healers before presenting (late) at mainstream medical diagnostic facilities.

Nuclear medicine (and greater awareness of it) can - and should - make a huge difference to these numbers!

After: Vorobiof, DA, Jour. Clinical Oncol., 2001

The Road to Hope ...

2007-01-19T00:15:00.000-08:00

Cancer Diagnosis

For most people receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the worst things that can happen to them. The word “cancer” has frightening connotations, but the good news is that by means of early detection, cancer is definitely not the death sentence it used to be. Treatment options have increased and their success rate has skyrocketed and survival is a real and increasingly likely prognosis.

It is important to realize that you are not alone: One in six South African men and one in seven South African women will get cancer during their lives.

Educate yourself: Learn as much as possible about your illness and the different medical options available to you. This knowledge will lessen your fears, help you regain control of your emotions, help you make informed decisions, increase your chances of beating cancer. But most importantly knowledge generates hope. Knowledge about the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer is improving rapidly.

Cancer Treatment

What are the different kinds of cancer treatment?

The three most common types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment is aimed at removing the cancer cells or destroying them in the body with medicines or other agents.

Surgery is still the most obvious response, if the tumour is small and limited to a single area of the body. Surgery can be very successful in treating some kinds of cancer, but it isn't an option for all people. Surgery may not be possible if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body or if the tumor cannot be removed without damaging vital organs, such as the liver or brain.

Radiotherapy uses radiation — in the form of a special kind of x-ray, gamma rays or electrons — to damage or destroy cancer cells so that they can't multiply. There is usually no pain during therapy.

Chemotherapy is the chemical treatment with drugs and hormones that are in the body’s system Many normal cells are also damaged in this process, and it can cause the patient to feel quite ill for a while, but can, and often does, lead to remission of the cancer.

Healthy lifestyle

Live life to the full by making healthy lifestyle choices and reducing your chances of getting cancer.

Eating a balanced diet; drinking plenty of water; not smoking; exercising regularly; maintaining a constant body weight; being SunSmart; getting regular medical check-ups including Pap smears (women) and PSA tests (men), are some of the things you can do to ensure your longevity.

Early detection is vital for successful treatment of cancer in both males and females, so if you notice any of the warning signs of cancer consult a medical practitioner without delay.
Treatment Team

Who does what in my treatment program?

Cancer treatment can be very complex. What kind of cancer you have, the stage that it's in, and the treatment program you go through affects what health care professionals you see.
Your family physician may oversee your treatment and rehabilitation programs, and can help answer questions you have. Sometimes an oncologist may manage your treatment program, but your family physician may take over once therapy is completed. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer.

A surgeon may do the operation to cut out as much cancerous tissue as possible. A pathologist will examine your tissue that is removed during a biopsy or surgery to check for signs of cancer. Radiation oncologists administer radiotherapy. The radiation oncologist is often assisted by diagnostic radiologists, radiotherapy technologists and radiation physicists, who plan treatment and check the radiation dosages to ensure that treatment is as safe as possible.

Oncologists, family physicians and internists often prescribe chemotherapy medicines, hormones and other drugs. Laboratory technicians or nurses may draw your blood for tests.

Nutritionists help evaluate your diet and help you plan your meals during and after treatment.

Physical therapists can help you keep your muscle tone and restore your ability to move around if there are any changes to your body from treatment. Psychologists, psychotherapists and other counselors, such as clergy or social workers, can help you talk through your feelings.

Pharmacists mix the complicated medications and check that you are getting the correct dosages.