Mwinyi to officiate at Terry Fox Run
 
2005-09-21 07:44:36
By Judica Tarimo

	Former Union Presodent Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Former Union President Ali Hassan Mwinyi will on Sunday lead the Terry Fox Run in Dar es Salaam to raise funds to support research into cancer.

The Terry Fox Run, a global charity event first held in Canada, seeks to raise funds to assist people affected by cancer and finance related projects around the world.

Dr Andrew McAlister, Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania, told a news conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam that Sunday’s event was expected to raise over 20m/- which would be donated to Dar es Salaam’s Ocean Road Cancer Institute.

’This is healthy way to provide concrete support to the vital effort to find a cure for cancer,’ he said, adding that the proceeds would go into financing cancer research in the country.

Dr Richard Lyimo, Head of Clinical Services at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, said cancer could be cured if detected and treated early.

’There are many examples of people who have been cured. The most important thing is to consult specialists as soon as the patient notices the symptoms,’ he said.

’The earlier you come, the better are your chances of being completely cured.’

He said extensive education and public awareness campaigns were needed to enlighten the public on the importance of seeing specialists early.

Dr Lyimo proposed the establishment of more cancer centres in upcountry regions to cater for the majority of Tanzanians instead of depending on Ocean Road alone.

’Technically, Ocean Road Cancer Institute cannot serve every Tanzanian. I’m pleased to note that the Health ministry currently plans to set up cancer centres in Mbeya, Mwanza and a number of other upcountry regions,’ he said.

Terry Fox was a young Canadian who was diagnosed with cancer in 1977 at the age of only 18.

His right leg was amputated and he underwent many months of painful treatment.

’This experience inspired us to find a way to draw attention to the urgent need to find a cure for cancer,’ Dr McAlister said.

In 1980, Terry began his Marathon of Hope. With fierce determination, he began a run across Canada and ran an average of 42 kilometres a day for 143 days, covering 5,374 kilometres.

Sadly, the spread of cancer to his lungs forced him to stop, but not before he had drawn the attention and admiration of millions of people.

Terry Fox runs are now held each year in dozens of countries across the world.

• SOURCE: Guardian