Whether directly or indirectly, cancer touches everyone. In Cayman, those affected by the disease rely on the valuable work of charitable organisations to assist them in times of crisis.
If there is one sporting fundraiser you take part in this year, make it the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s Stride Against Cancer. It’s well worth making the effort to get up early and stretch those legs on Sunday, 29 January. By helping support the CICS you help others.
The annual run/walk last year attracted some 1,300 participants and organisers hope to match or exceed that number this year.
“It is the largest fundraiser the CICS has, so it’s critical to our annual budget,” says Jennifer Weber, operations manager at the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. “The more support we receive the more funds we have to fulfil our mission.”
The CICS is a non-profit organisation that relies on charitable donations and funds raised through events such as Stride. They perform a vital role not only educating the general public about cancer but also by providing financial assistance to people battling the disease who would otherwise be unable to pay for treatment and associated expenses.
“Right now the number of financial aid patients we have is at a record high so we know the need for our services is great,” says Jennifer.
Participants have the choice of a long or a short course.
The Long Course
The long course begins at 6am and is an out and back course, starting and ending at the Public Beach on West Bay Road with the turn around point at Caribbean Paradise on South Sound Road.
The Short Course
The short course begins at 7am and is also out and back course with the turn around point being at the Wharf Restaurant.
North Side
A group of residents in the Eastern Districts have organised a 6.5 mile walk in North Side at 7am on Sunday, 29 January. The walk will begin at the boat launch beside Over The Edge Restaurant and go to Kaibo. Transportation back to the boat launch will be provided.
Serious runners should be sure to join in the event this year as coach Jerry Harper will be providing accurate and official timing services and there will be numbered bibs to differentiate the competitive runners from the fun runners.
All participants are invited to enjoy refreshments after the event. New for this year, the Lions Club will be selling breakfast on the beach (liver and onions, codfish and ackee and bacon and eggs) for $6-8, the proceeds of which will benefit the Lions Club. A number of spot prizes will also be given out at this point.
Registration is $25 per person and because sponsors underwrite the costs of the event, these registration fees become funds raised, explains Jennifer.
Participants may register online at www.cics.ky or www.caymanactive.com, at the CICS offices opposite the George Town Hospital parking lot or at one of the registration desks set up at local grocery stores and other venues in the weeks preceding the event.
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