Cancer robbed me of my Mother at the age of 15- Sekandi says

By Alex Gahima

The Kisoro Resident District Commissioner Hajji Shafiq Sekandi has implored the communities of Kisoro district to embrace early Cancer screening to help them find cancer early for easy treatment.

Early detection of Cancer may mean less treatment and less time spent during recovery.

Health experts say, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival.

Hundreds of people yesterday turned up for the 12^th edition of the Rotary Cancer run in Kisoro Municipality to show their support, running under the theme, “Run for Hope.”

District Governor of Rotary Club D9214 Peace Taremwa, who was in Kisoro for a disaster response activity in Bufumbira East had the privilege of flagging off the giddy runners.

Runners embarked on conquering a 13 Km stretch that included going round the Nyakabande airfield, Muganza, Busamba and back to the starting point, Saaza Playground.

Sekandi, who was the chief guest expressed his utmost gratitude to the people of Kisoro who sacrificed their time and resources to stand in united with the rest of the country.

Sekandi said, at the age of 15, he had to contend with life without the love and care of his mother, who succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 42.

“I first visited the Cancer institute in senior two when my mother was admitted there with breast cancer. It was not long until her other breast was infected and had to be cut off”, Sekandi explained.

According to Sekandi, the lives of his five siblings quickly turned for the worst when their mother passed away, with many of them, being unable to complete school.

Centenary Bank Manager Kisoro Branch Sanyu Gloria said the monies raised will be used to make cancer treatment more affordable and will help families that have to deal with cancer directly or indirectly.

Emmanuel Maniraguha, a Rotarian and dealer in cocoa from Bundibugyo and Mpondwe contributed 3 Million shillings and purchased several kits as a way of showing support against the cancer fight.

Maniraguha encouraged more men above the age of 45 to embrace screening for prostate cancer so that they are not taken by surprise and their families are left with household heads.

One of the few cancer survivors in Kisoro, Ezra Ndagije says, victory over cancer is possible.

According to Ndagije, a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, plenty of exercise and enough rest can ensure someone lives a long, healthy and productive life.