VANDERBIJLPARK. – Biking Beatrice Brits from Vanderbijlpark canΓÇÖt wait to get on her Honda motorcycle to spread the word and create awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Beatrice, a breast cancer survivor, is one of 15 riders who will be taking to the road on motorbikes in this yearΓÇÖs Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Ride to take place from October 9 – 15.
Beatrice was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 5 of 2007. Her left breast was mastectomised followed by four months of chemotherapy.
“The road to recovery has not been easy with many thorns along the way, but with the grace of God, IΓÇÖve been able to get through it,” says Beatrice.
“Self-examination and early detection is what saved my life,” she says, and adds: “Through the Journey of Hope 2011 ride, I hope to touch at least one personΓÇÖs life, giving the message to never give up and to realise that being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence.”
Beatrice lives by the motto: “Live life to the fullest every day and donΓÇÖt take anything for granted; I am so thankful for the second chance that God has given me.”
The Journey of Hope is a non-profit organisation that has been established to educate people about the importance of early detection and to dispel some of the myths around breast cancer.
Over the course of the seven days during October the group, including a gentleman who is currently recovering from breast cancer, will raise awareness and educate communities about breast cancer while they continue along a personal path of growth and healing by building a supportive community with other people throughout the country.
The team will be travelling through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West Provinces. But there are also several other outreach programmes taking place throughout the year across the country where the survivors will be interacting with the community about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. On September 3 Beatrice will host a “Denims and Diamonds with a dash of Pink” fundraising event in Vanderbijlpark.
Funds raised will be used towards creating awareness, and educating people about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer.
* For more information visit www.journeyofhope.co.za or call
082 8403633.
 Source:  Vaalweekblad