Among themes ranging from education to men’s rights to blood donation, Cervical cancer was one of the themes which stood out among all as a group of youngsters accompanied with cancer survivors ran with a dream to end cervical cancer in India.
The 20th edition of Tata Mumbai Marathon saw participants running for different causes including education, food donation, cybercrime and many more. However, an organisation, known for one of the highest fundraisers in this signature marathon, stole the show with their cause to end cervical cancer among women.
Cancer survivors and volunteers associated with Mahalaxmi-based Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) participated in the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday with placards reading ‘Eliminate Cervical Cancer Through HPV Vaccine’. The organisation has been working for the upliftment of cancer patients since 1969 and has been running the Mumbai Marathon since its inception for the cause of cancer patients.
The NGO has started a campaign to eliminate cervical cancer since 2018. In six years, the organisation has administered 40,000 doses of HPV vaccine to underprivileged girls from the rural areas of Maharashtra. The volunteers of the organisation along with a few survivors helped by the organisation, participated to aware women about cervical cancer and motivate them to get their doses of HPV vaccine.
Aditi Bapat, director of information technology at CPAA, said, “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through a vaccine. Our NGO has been participation from the very first edition of Mumbai Marathon and has been raising the highest funds. Some of the highest fundraisers have ran for our organisation in the past.”
CPAA works towards complete assistance of cancer patients ranging from awareness to rehabilitation. Through its early detecton screening camps, it helps patients get treated for the disease at initial stages. Their work also includes helping cancer patients with medical, emotional and financial resources, which includes funding education of pediatric patients.
“The Dream Run is becoming more and more popular as people from different walks of life are running with so many causes. It has become a place where communities can join for different causes and individuals can stand up for them. It also helps with funding but funds are not as important as awareness. It becomes one of the annual events where social organisations indulge in networking sessions,” said Bapat.
