Attended by more than 100 dedicated CANSA Relay for Life (RFL) volunteers and CANSA RFL staff partners, the atmosphere was fantastic and feedback on the summit overwhelmingly positive, according to chairperson of RFL Mossel Bay, Freddie Faul.
Currently, South Africa is ranking third worldwide, regarding the growth in RFL events, only being in its seventh year since launching nationally. The RFL summit aims at especially acknowledging the work of RFL volunteers.
Most certainly one of the highlights of the event was the glamorous gala event, during which especially the international RFL Heroes of Hope were paid tribute to. This is a global cancer survivorship initiative, involving the selection of Heroes of Hope from across the International Relay For Life participating countries.
Through International Relay survivors are given the spotlight to show that there is life after diagnosis. These 'International Heroes of Hope' inspire other community members who have been touched by cancer. They are a testament to the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer and are changing the face of survivorship worldwide.
This year's three South African representatives are Kobus Smit (previously from Mossel Bay, currently Moorreesburg), Obie Woolward (Worcester) and Kedibone Bonoko (Gauteng). Danielle Didi Coertze from George was also selected, but sadly passed away in April 2012 at the young age of 18.
Emotional moments were shared when the outgoing Heroes of Hope offered the 2012-2013 Heroes their sashes, with local songstress Nickey Stears ensuring that there wasn't a dry eye in the house as she sang 'In the arms of the angel' by Sarah Mclachlan as a dedication to deceased Hero of Hope, Didi. Didi was represented at the event by her mother and sister.
After her heartwarming performance, Nic-key was invited by CANSA CEO Sue Janse van Rensburg to perform at the RFL corporate relay, taking place in Johannesburg on 1 September.
Kobus Smit, who helped launch RFL Mossel Bay in 2009, has been a CANSA volunteer for 22 years. Having been in the public relations and brand management field for most of his professional life, he describes RFL as a lifestyle event that emanates 'brand magic', because it crosses all boundaries, including politics, race, gender, religion, generation and more. Kobus lost his mother, father and brother all to different types of cancer within the scope of a year, also at a sensitive age, as he embarked on a life abroad in the diplomatic service several years ago.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and undergoing brachytherapy, also known as internal radiotherapy, he became involved with RFL at ground level, which he describes as a life changing experience. Kobus is currently the general manager of a child and youth care centre in Moorreesburg. He sees being a Hero of Hope as a golden opportunity to continue the fight against cancer, using it as an instrument to create greater awareness, especially amongst men regarding prostate health.
Group Editors (George Herald, Mossel Bay Advertiser, Knysna Plett Herald and Oudtshoorn Courant) received a platinum Relay for Life award from the Cancer Association for its contribution to the association in their fight against cancer and their efforts to create awareness around the disease.
Bokomo Weet-Bix and e.tv officially joined CANSA in the fight against cancer, by signing up as national partners for CANSA's RFL programme. Chairperson of RFL Mossel Bay, Freddie Faul confirmed that the Mossel Bay and George RFL events have been selected for broadcast by e.tv. This year the Mossel Bay event takes place on 3-4 November.
Kobus Smit (right), who helped establish RFL Mossel Bay, has been named an International Relay For Life Hero of Hope (2012-2013). Here he is with his wife Anelise and chairperson of RFL Mossel Bay Freddie Faul.
