Click here for my race review of RAC 2016.

Organised by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and sponsored by Singtel, the Singtel – SCS Race Against Cancer aims to make a statement against cancer, that is, to minimise cancer and to maximise lives.

This is because the organiser believe that nobody should fight cancer alone. So through this race, people from all walks of life are invited to join in the fight – by running alongside those who have been impacted by cancer.

Race Against Cancer is back again in 2016.
[Photo from www.flickr.com]

Nobody should fight cancer alone

Said Dr Ang Peng Tiam, Chairman, Singtel – SCS Race Against Cancer Committee, “We launched the race in Singapore to bring the cancer community together in a single event. This event not only serves as a platform to educate and raise awareness about cancer; it also provides an opportunity to rally the community to support those with cancer.”

The Race against Cancer takes place this coming Saturday 3 July, at Angsana Green, East Coast Park with three distances – 5KM, 10KM and 15KM available, to cater to different abilities of runners.

Dr Ang continued, “The run is a natural metaphor for the cancer journey – we want everyone to run in solidarity with those impacted by cancer and get to the finish line. Rallying the community together in a single event demonstrates to cancer patients that no-one is alone in their cancer journey.”

The 2016 edition takes place on Saturday 3 July. [Photo taken from RunSociety]

Cancer has impacted the lives of many people

Cancer has impacted the lives of many people, according to Singtel – which has been supporting the Race against Cancer, as a sponsor since the year 2009.

And Andrew Buay, Singtel Vice President of Group Corporate Social Responsibility and Talent Coach, said, “Many of us know someone, in one way or another, who has been affected by cancer, especially with the pervasiveness of cancer in Singapore. As the title sponsors, we believe that we have a role to play in the community through advocacy, raising awareness and supporting people and families in their fight against cancer.”

He added, “We also encourage our staff to participate in the run. It is a time when we remember loved ones affected by cancer as we run united in solidarity and hope for the cancer patients and their families.”

Jessica Too is a cancer survivor who will be taking part in this year’s RAC. This is her after a Sundown Marathon race in 2008, before her cancer.

Cancer Survivor will be running in the race

One such individual who has been impacted by cancer and will be taking part in this meaningful race, is Jessica Too Yu Kim, 44, a Business Analyst. She will be running 15km at the Race Against Cancer.

Jessica had been diagnosed with Stage Two Breast Cancer in January 2010 and she underwent a string of treatments for nine months.

Said Jessica, “I had been shocked and in disbelief by the cancer diagnosis. In a split second, everything changed for me. I started crying, and at the same time, I felt loss, scared, fear, uncertainty and doubts. Questions such as who would look after my kids, also crossed my mind. I was a cocktail of mixed emotions at the time.”

Fortunately she pulled through and successfully managed to beat her cancer, thanks to her loved ones. She said, “I was deeply touched and encouraged by the love from family and friends, especially survivors and friends of friends whom I didn’t know, contacted me to provide support and advice.”

Jessica, pictured here with her son, shaved herself bald just before chemotherapy in August 2010.

Thanks to having beaten cancer, Jessica now feels that she has been given a second chance in life. She said, “I feel like I have been given a second chance, and now I am striving to be a better person. I am able to handle stress better from focusing on things and relationships that matter more to me. I am a stronger person emotionally. I am also more health conscious and happier.”

She added, “So by being part of the Race against Cancer this year, I want to show my support to all cancer survivors that are still going through treatments. Each of my steps forward is for you – fight on! Being a survivor myself, to be a part of this event, I hope to raise the awareness of healthy lifestyles. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Fringe activities to educate runners more about treatment and rehabilitation of cancer 

So at the Race against Cancer, there will be a series of fringe activities taking place for runners to learn more about treatment and rehabilitation of cancer and how regular exercise may help to ward off cancer. Said Dr Ang, “In the SCS showcase, runners will have the opportunity to learn more about SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Services, community health programmes and support groups. There will also be fitness and dance stage performances by SCS support group members and a quiz with attractive prizes.”

RAC serves as an outreach to cancer patients who have yet to be aware of the SCS services and programmes.

He added, “RAC also serves as an outreach to cancer patients who have yet to be aware of the SCS programmes and services. We want to communicate to cancer patients and survivors, through the race, that cancer is not a death sentence especially with the advances in early detection, cancer diagnoses and treatments.”

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