On Saturday, 17th October 2009, the 2nd Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride starts with 12 breast cancer survivors who will roar off from Cape Town on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles pursuing an eight day journey that will cover 2292km. They arrive in Johannesburg on the 24th October.

The 2nd Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride campaign will promote awareness of breast cancer, educate on early detection and raise funds to heal women who require reconstructive surgery.

The route this year will take participants from Cape Town up the West Coast and their powerful engines will take them to towns like Paternoster, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Lamberts Bay, Springbok, Steinkopf, Port Nolloth, Kakamas, Upington, Kuruman, Vryburg, Lichtenburg, Krugersdorp and through Pretoria to Johannesburg. 

The Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride has a powerful message to spread across South Africa – a message of hope and encouragement in an upbeat, positive and unique manner. They will visit urban and rural communities of the country. 

Cancer statistics indicate that one in 27 women is diagnosed with breast cancer, of which 17.9% are white, 24,4% Asian, 18,2% Coloured and 13,3% African. Due to lack of information and awareness, many women die of breast cancer in South Africa. The aim of Journey of Hope is to change that picture by going out and educating women all over South Africa.

Breast Cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. The survival rate is 95%, and the support rate is 100%. 

How the whole campaign came about
This organisation’s main objective, after raising breast cancer awareness in 2008, was to raise funds to pay for reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients unable to afford the operation. Breast cancer surgery such as a mastectomy, single or bilateral surgery, is paid for by the state in government hospitals. Reconstructive surgery is not, leaving many women disfigured and the healing process not completed.

The inaugural Journey of Hope cancer ride in 2008 started in Joburg and traveled down through the Eastern Cape to Cape Town stopping in Bloemfontein, Colesburg, Graaf Reinert, Port Elizabeth, Knysna and George before a cavalcade of more than 200 Harley-Davidsons escorted the 12 ladies into the V&A Waterfront for their final moment.

What was unique about the 2008 campaign?
The 12 breast cancer survivors donning leathers and travelling the country in Harley Davidsons and Hummers to promote breast cancer awareness is pretty unique. The ladies shared their stories without a moment’s hesitation, and their stories brought home that people could literally see that breast cancer is no death sentence and that these women remain dynamic and strong despite everything. It was powerful and inspiring stuff.

Well-known celebrities like Janie Du Plessis and Lilian Dube were among the 12 breast cancer survivors on the ride.

The towns that were visited were fully committed to the participants’ Journey of Hope. They were supported by the local biking communities and the police force, who escorted them through the towns. They were hosted by various guesthouses and the local Cansa Associations got involved, and in most towns the functions were hosted by the Mayor.

Become a Friend of the Journey
If anybody is interested in becoming a ‘Friend of the Journey,’ please visit www.journeyofhope.co.za. Here you can view the epic journey made in 2008 and the people and towns visited.  You can even make a donation by selecting the “Please donate here” button. 
 
We have all heard it said that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. For the Journey of Hope, that step has been taken and this road leads to awareness, wholeness and ultimately, a journey of hope for all breast cancer survivors.

Applicants who require reconstructive surgery are welcome to complete an application form on the Journey of Hope website, www.journeyofhope.co.za.

Click here to download the Breast Reconstruction Application Form 

If you would like the entry form faxed to you, please contact Leandre Joubert on (044) 873 4393.