According to the World Health Organization 9.6 million people died of cancer in 2018 making it the second leading cause of death globally. With the Covid-19 pandemic taking centre stage currently many have forgotten that an age old silent killer is taking as many lives.
The annual Grace Cancer Run which aims to create awareness regarding cancer commemorates 10 years in 2020. Organised annually by the Grace Cancer Foundation this year’s Virtual Run will be held on October 10, 2020 in more than 100 nations.
Titled ‘Race for Grace’ this year, the run is held in three categories of 5km, 10km and 21.1km and registrations can be done online at www.gracefoundationgi.org/race
Sri Lanka’s Race Ambassador and the Founder of Nehemiah Consultants and Foodies Lanka Sanura Gunawardana said , “The Grace Cancer Run aims to create awareness on a battle that we have been fighting for many years. Cancer has already taken so many lives and despite the millions of dollars worth of research done globally we are yet to find a permanent cure or solution. It is also a disease that affects anyone and everyone without discrimination of any kind.
In Sri Lanka, we have thousands who suffer daily without access to treatment, funds and the right information. As a former athlete who competed in eight sports, I feel this is a great opportunity for Sri Lanka’s athletic and non-athletic community to come together and support a cause that personally moves me. We hope that the Grace Run can not only create awareness but also help to degenerate much needed funds for treating cancer stricken patients who need it the most”.
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Sri Lanka. According to the Registrar General’s Department, the annual cancer mortality rate increased from 27.9 per 100,000 people in 1985 to 43.6 per 100,000 in 2003. These numbers are staggering to say the least and have kept increasing as lifestyles evolve to a faster pace. A large number of cancer patients in Sri Lanka also go unrecorded as many do not seek treatment or have no access to it in the most rural communities.
The Grace Cancer Foundation was established in 2008 by Julie Pfeifer and Lisa Willman, two Grand Island, Nebraska breast cancer survivors who had a heartfelt need and desire to help local cancer patients and their families in their fight with this deadly disease. The organisation was originally named The Grace Foundation, with Grace standing for Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment. In 2018, for the organisation’s tenth Anniversary, it was re-named Grace Cancer Foundation. Julie and Lisa’s hope is to provide not only emotional support, but make funds available through Grace to assist with unique financial obligations and unmet needs for those fighting all types of cancer.
This year’s Grace Run in Sri Lanka is also supported by Creative Casa who are on board supporting the cause with their creative genius.
For more information on this year’s Grace Cancer Run visit the official race website or follow Sanura on https://www.instagram.com/gunawardanasanura/