Walking for a purpose - iThemba Walkathon

We took part in the yearly iThemba Walkathon yesterday. We first started when we became aware that nobody is exempt from breast cancer, not even an eighteen year old! It has been a yearly fun day for the family. Unfortunately The Student could not join us yesterday, although she was home (because of the lock-downs at universities), but she still has the rubber arm.

Little Miss did very well, and walked most of the way. She had to be bribed with an ice-cream, and "it's just around the corner", but she made it! (I think we struggled more, being as unfit as we are...) But we finished the 8 kilometres!

It took nearly twenty minutes to get past the starting line yesterday morning at eight. It's not strange if you know that there are 25 000 people taking part. But it was NOT fun stuck in that crowd not being able to move for quite a while!

Of course our beautiful city saved the day with it's skyline, it's purple streets and the friendly people!

That was the final walk for the MomAgain@40 clan!
I am glad that iThemba Walkathon gets so much participation, but it seems that the services and structures are struggling with the high numbers!

iThemba Walkathon 2015 #poutforapurpose #walkforapurpose

A photo posted by Karen Du Toit (@karentoittoit) on Oct 24, 2015 at 10:31pm PDT

Did we miss seeing you there?

Pink walk for hope #ithembawalkathon

It was the annual iThemba Walkathon again today!

It has become a yearly walk for us to do!

It has struck me today that it is a walk for hope! It is about being able to overcome, of being survivors!
The dreaded C diagnosis does not mean it is final! NO!

"Early detection saves lives!" 

We all had so much fun, while we were also reminded of people walking in remembrance of their loved ones!

The Little Missy started the day on a bad note, with a tantrum or two, but it got much better with the walk!

With Cass who was convinced at the last minute to come along

The final hill that felt like Polly Shortts

We made it!

A great crowd of nearly 20 000 people!

Next year we do it again...

Thanks to iThemba for organising a great event!


Related posts:

- Annual pink walk for breast cancer

- iThemba Walk against breast cancer

- iThemba Walkathon 2011

Annual Pink walk for breast cancer

The annual iTthemba Walkathon was again held in Johannesburg.

The family fun walk is a favourite of ours to attend.
It gets the family out in the outdoors and gives us a good exercise for a Sunday morning.
It also helps us to think we are doing our little bit for breast cancer awareness, as well as contributing to a good cause.

Ever since we got the scare when my daughter discovered the lump in her breast, we have become more aware of how important that check-up is. 18-year olds can get breast cancer!

I also have a colleague who went for her regular check-up just a week ago. She is completely clear after she had to go through a harrowing ordeal of a double mastectomy to save her from definite breast cancer in the future. Her story is here.
Now she does not have to worry about the C-sword hanging over her head, and she can plan her life with a long future ahead of her!

Not even the clouds or threats of thunderstorms could dampen  the walkers

Figures of 27 000-30 000 participants were mentioned

There was some enthusiastic walking by the Toddler,
but we  were glad we brought the stroller along

At the finish line!

Related posts:

- iThemba Walkathon 2011

- iThemba Walk against breast cancer (2010)

- Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness

Ithemba Walkathon 2011

I saw this on Laura's blog at Harassed Mom, from where she was tagged by Celeste over at Reluctant Mom.

I would like to answer these questions as well, because breast cancer is something that you can do something about. Before it is too late!



The Questions:


When did you have your first mammogram?
I went for a test in my twenties when a van came to our workplace. Never again after that!

Does anyone in your family suffer from cancer?
Luckily, no! But my teen gave us a scare about two years back when she discovered a big lump in her breast. It is called a  fibroadenoma, but she now has to have it checked every six months!
See: 18-year olds can get breast cancer

Why have you not gone for a mammogram?
I should have done it earlier... Guilty!
But I went in support of my teen for a sonar in July (also because the doctor insisted), and as soon as I stop breastfeeding I will go for the mammogram!

What were your mammogram results?
The sonar was fine! (A mammogram does not show the correct results when still breastfeeding.)

How bad is “going for a mammogram” on a scale of 1 to 10?
I can't remember that it felt that bad. I would give it a 3

When is your next appointment?
Three months after I stop breastfeeding. Don't know when that is going to happen!

Do you know anyone who has had breast cancer?
Yes, I have a colleague who went through a harrowing experience having to remove both breasts but now are declared 100% healthy. She caught it even before it developed into breast cancer! It is through her that I got the referral for my teen. We now feel very safe knowing that Dr Benn (Specialist in her field) will give us the right advice!

What is my point?
Do not accept the advice of doctors when they tell you to not come back again, or that you should wait until the diagnosis is cancer. NOOOO!
We were told not to come back for a regular check-up by a gynecologist...
My colleague was told that she should have her breasts regularly checked until the cancer is finally confirmed... (Scary!)

If you feel uneasy about a decision or opinion, get a second opinion! 
It is your health and your life!

iThemba Walkathon 2011

The slogan: "Early detection saves lives!"

It was the yearly iThemba Walkaton against breast cancer today. There were even more pink people (literally) walking today than last year. We had great fun.Walking and watching all the people dressed to the "pink" passing us on the road.

We got involved from last year when the Teen discovered a lump in her breast. It turned out to be a fibroadenoma, but she still has to have it check every 6 months. Lesson: do not let anyone tell you to let it be... It can turn serious!

I also have a colleague who were told to leave her pre-cancerous breasts until it becomes cancer! NO!
Luckily she did not accept that advice as well! She went to see an expert in breast cancer. Se had to go through the whole traumatic decision of having her breasts removed, but she did it. Last week she got a clean bill of health! She is cancer free, and she can continue with her life!

I registered us for the 8 km walk, although we said we would  turn at the 5 km turn when we feels it is too much! There never came a 5 km turn because they joined us at some stage, so we did the 8 km again! (Pat on back! We got in some serious exercise today!)

The Toddler enjoyed the walk as well! Luckily we could still push her for most of the way!

Getting sleepy

Sleeping

Riding backwards and standing

On Dad's neck

Walking

"Avon Justine iThemba Crusade of Hope raises funds for breast cancer education and awareness in South Africa.
A donation will be made to Bosom Buddies and Look Good...Feel Better."

Related posts:

18-year olds can get breast cancer
The merry ways of Retha Buys: "Happy birthday dear Silliboobs..."
iThemba Walk against breast cancer